A Wisconsin man and woman died of electrocution from fractal wood burning, according to an investigation into a house fire that occurred April 6 in Marathon County, Wis.
The investigation concluded the two victims died of electrocution prior to the fire that eventually spread from the garage to the rest of the house. The equipment used for fractal burning is believed to have started the fire.
The fractal wood burning technique uses high-voltage electricity to create lightning-like patterns in wood that has been treated with a chemical solution. The technique has gained wide popularity on social media apps like TikTok in recent years.
“This process is highly dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals,” the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
At least 33 deaths have been recorded as a result of fractal burning, USA Today reported. The technique was banned in 2017 by the American Association of Woodturners Safety Committee following the death of a person using the method.
See more about fractal burning, including projects in wood flooring, in the articles below:
Woman Electrocuted While Using Fractal Wood-Burning Machine
Frankenstein Flooring From an Idaho Floor Man
Wood Flooring Glows with that ’80s Vibe
Shocking: Contractor Marks Stair Risers With Electric Current
