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Classes at Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville are set to resume today after a fire incident involving a Chromebook led to an evacuation on Wednesday (May 14). The fire occurred in a computer classroom, prompting the school's fire alarm system to activate around 2:18 p.m. No injuries were reported, and students were evacuated safely.
The incident is believed to be linked to the viral "Chromebook Challenge," a social media trend where students insert metal objects into the USB ports of Chromebooks, causing them to short-circuit and emit smoke. According to CNY Central, the Baldwinsville Central School District is investigating whether the student involved was participating in this challenge.
Superintendent Joseph M. DeBarbieri confirmed that the district had warned families about the dangers of the challenge in a letter sent out last week. The district has stated it will consider pursuing criminal charges if it is determined that the student intentionally damaged the Chromebook.
The fire department completed its work by 3:30 p.m., allowing people to return to the building. Meanwhile, all after-school activities were temporarily relocated to Durgee Junior High School. The high school, which serves about 1,200 students, will continue to monitor the situation closely.