AI Photo of Fake Fire Causes Panic at Texas High School

A high school in Texas evacuated on Monday due to a fire alarm, something many students initially assumed was just a drill, according to local news station ABC13 Houston. But after an AI-generated image circulated appearing to show part of the school on fire, the situation caused confusion and panic among students and parents.

The fire alarm at Bellaire High School went off around 9:00 a.m. local time, according to ABC13, and kids did what they often do in that situation: They walked to Starbucks and local stores to kill time. But then the principal reportedly sent out a message to parents saying there was smoke in the athletic wing.

After that, an AI image showing the school on fire spread through “social media,” according to ABC13, though it’s not clear which platform. Gizmodo was unable to find such an image on TikTok, X, or Instagram, the places where these things most commonly spread. The image was also shared on “messaging apps.”

Parents then called police and the school district looking for answers. The Bellaire Police Department wrote a message on Facebook explaining that the image was fake.

“We want to clarify that there is NO fire at Bellaire High School. A fake social media post with an AI-generated image showing the school on fire is circulating online,” Bellaire Police wrote at 9:49 a.m. local time.

“Please know that all students and staff are safe. We appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that you help stop the spread of misinformation by sharing this official update,” the Facebook post continued.

The Bellaire Fire Department responded to the scene and wrote its own message to Facebook explaining that there was some smoke discovered in the school, but it was from an HVAC system. There was no massive fire, as had apparently been depicted in the AI image that spread among students and parents.

“Upon arrival, crews found no visible smoke or fire from the exterior. Engine 33 began investigating the source of the alarm in the rear section of the school. Inside, crews located a small amount of smoke near a locker area and determined the source to be a refrigerant junction box connected to the HVAC system,” the Fire Department wrote.

“An HISD HVAC technician confirmed the issue as a refrigerant leak. Out of an abundance of caution, the Houston Fire Department Hazmat Team was requested to assist. Units from Hazmat 22, District 22, and District 28 arrived and determined that the levels present were not hazardous to occupants but recommended that the area remain vacant until HVAC repairs could be completed.”

It’s unclear where the AI-generated image of the fire originated. A new state law in Texas that went into effect in September forbids students from using phones during class time, which meant that a lot of parents who were concerned about the AI-generated images couldn’t immediately contact their kids.

Bellaire High School principal Michael Niggli referred questions to the school district press office but Gizmodo didn’t receive a response to questions about the incident. The Bellaire Fire Department also didn’t respond to questions Tuesday. Gizmodo will update this article if we hear back.