EMS warns of deadly ‘chuffing’ trend among learners

The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has raised concern over a video circulating social media showing a group of learners allegedly inhaling unknown substances from a fire extinguisher.

EMS says the dangerous trend, known as “chuffing”, appears to be gaining traction among young people and involves deliberately inhaling chemical agents released from portable fire extinguishers.

Public Relations and Communication Manager, Robert Mulaudzi, has warned that exposure to extinguisher contents – including dry chemical powder and carbon dioxide – can lead to severe health complications.

He says inhaling the substances may cause respiratory distress, seizures, pneumonia, dizziness and, in extreme cases, death.

Mulaudzi emphasised that fire extinguishers are safety devices intended solely for emergency use and not for human inhalation.

He has urged parents and guardians to speak to their children about the dangers of participating in such trends and to discourage risky behaviour.

He also encouraged schools and communities to make use of EMS BeSafe Centres for fire and life-safety education programmes.

Residents are advised to contact the EMS Command and Control Centre on 011 375 5911 in the event of emergencies.

What made them even think of doing this?😳

— Duma (@CFC_Duma) March 16, 2026

Schools are not supervising learners. No one saw that the fire extinguisher was missing? Whose class are they using and why did they feel confident that no one would find them in that particular class room??

— Span sa seGoli (@EgoliSpan) March 16, 2026

What is wrong with people’s Children ? I wonder what the parents would say when you okay them this video . There’s no excuse for this except that they hoping to reach some kinda high. It doesn’t make sense? Well neither do these two.

— #TheBookOfChad (@NormaMansoor) March 16, 2026

Written by: Realeboga Nke