AI-generated photo of fake fire at Bellaire High School, prompts panic: police

BELLAIRE, Texas (KTRK) -- Bellaire police say an AI-generated photo showing a fake fire at Bellaire High School caused panic on Monday morning.

HISD officials say the fire alarm at Bellaire High School went off just after 9 a.m., prompting students to evacuate.

The principal sent out a message to parents saying there was "smoke in the athletic wing."

Then, students say panic set in.

According to Bellaire police, an AI-generated photo of the school on fire started spreading through social media and messaging apps.

Police say several parents called both police and the district, worried about a fire.

Around the same time, the Houston Fire Department determined the leak was not hazardous, so students returned to class.

Then, a message went out to parents from the principal about an "odor" in the building.

Finally, the principal sent another message, saying he didn't approve of any message about an odor, and parents should ignore it.

The principal called the email confusion a communication loophole and said it had been addressed, but didn't give further details.

He reiterated that the kids were safe.

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