Why People Are Calling the Fire Department Over This Family's Halloween Decorations: 'Should Be Illegal'

"This year as Halloween approaches, engaged couple Amanda Peden and Sam Lee are once again begging their neighbors: "Please do not call the fire department!" The South Carolina couple are local celebrities for their shockingly realistic Halloween decorations. Similar to what they did in 2023, their decor - a smoky light show created with special effects that gives the illusion of a burning home - is drawing spectators ... and phone calls to emergency responders."

""Bet 911 loves you this time of the year, LOL." "It's all fun and games until you actually have a real fire and all the fire stations are like, 'Nah, we ain't falling for that one again.'" "This is the best!" "They need to put a sign on the yard stating it's not real." "It looks real-life scary, not Halloween scary." "That is awesome!" "It does look cool, but that honestly should be illegal." "This is stressful.""

Engaged couple Amanda Peden and Sam Lee create a hyperreal Halloween display that simulates a burning house using a smoky light show and special effects. The illusion attracts large numbers of spectators and prompts some viewers to call emergency services despite explicit warnings. The couple posted that the house will appear to be on fire nightly between 8-10 PM through October 31 and asked neighbors not to call the fire department. Social media reactions range from praise to concern and calls for signage. Setup can take hours to a full day, and the couple stays inside while the display runs.

Read at TODAY.com