Skip To...
If there’s one thing social media continues to prove, it’s that many people aren’t entirely sure what should or shouldn’t come into contact with an open flame. Fire safety, conductors, and the basics of starting a safe fire apparently vary from person to person, and that confusion was on full display in a viral TikTok video posted this week. A content creator and hair vendor, @versatilehaircollection, had booked an Airbnb in Atlanta to relax for a few days, and because she genuinely liked the cabin’s aesthetic, she also decided to use it as the setting for a Jayda Cheaves–inspired photoshoot.
The woman invited two of her friends to join her, including one who would be taking the pictures, and together they were settling in and having a good time enjoying themselves. At some point in the evening, they decided that it would be nice to start a fire outside by the corner of the house, right next to a section where the owner had apparently left a bundle of wood. Assuming this setup was meant to function as a fire pit or fireplace, they chose to light it.
However, since none of them actually knew how to start a proper fire, they had to pull out a packet of Tumbleweeds natural fire starters and begin reading the instructions carefully. One of her friends eventually struck a match, lit what appeared to be a flammable piece of material, and carried it outside to place inside what they believed was the “fireplace.”
It Wasn’t What They Thought It Was
The problem was that this structure did not resemble a real fireplace at all. It lacked the typical features such as a chimney, venting, or any designated opening for smoke to escape. Instead, it was built entirely out of wood and looked far more like a covered wood storage compartment than an actual fire pit.
Still, the women were completely unaware of that fact and were simply thrilled that they had gotten a fire going in their little makeshift “fireplace.” At one point, the same friend who started the fire even dropped a slice of pizza in a small pan and placed it over the flames, laughing and joking, “I bet they don’t teach y’all this at school,” as if she was showing off a survival skill. Everything appeared harmless at the time… until they realized that the fire was slowly beginning to scorch the side of the house.
More on What Happened
The fire must have been building up quietly at first, because when they finally noticed that it was now producing heavy smoke and catching onto the exterior wall, panic set in immediately. They rushed to put it out, and even neighbors came over to help them, but nothing they tried made it better. The flames just kept growing, forcing them to call 911.
Soon, fire trucks and police cars filled the entire street and, after a while, they successfully subdued the flames. “I swear it was like 15 fire trucks outside. No cap all the way down the street, y’all,” the hair vendor said while recounting the moment. Well, it seems that things did turn out okay for the trio because according to content creator, the Airbnb was insured, which was the only small relief in an otherwise terrifying situation.
Here’s How Netizens Are Reacting to the Atlanta Airbnb Incident
For the most part, people in the comments were shocked that the women mistook the structure for a working fireplace. One person asked, “Does that look like a fireplace ma’am???” A second added in disbelief, “Bro wheN HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A WOODEN FIREPIT.” A third said, “Yall the reason why airbnb be charging $1k in fees.” Someone else expressed concern for the Airbnb owner, writing, “I feel so bad for the owner.”
However, a few admitted that they do too would have made the same mistake. “Realistically why did they leave wood there 😭😭😭 they coulda left it outside,” one comment read. Another added, “I seen nothing wrong😂 I thought it was a fire pit [too] girllllll.”
