Rise in vape-related fires in Essex caused by unsafe charging

The Essex fire service tell us the majority of vape-related fires they attend are caused by unsafe charging.

With the disposable vape ban taking effect on Sunday 1 June, many disposable vape users are expected to switch to rechargeable devices.

Andrea MacAlister, Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is highlighting the increased fire risks ​associated with charging lithium-ion batteries:

"The majority of vape related fires we attend are caused by unsafe charging—particularly using the wrong charger or leaving devices charging unattended.

"Most of these incidents are entirely preventable.​

“It’s crucial to use the battery and charger that came with your vape.

"If you need a replacement, always buy from a reputable source.

"We’ve seen too many fires caused by counterfeit or incompatible chargers and batteries.

Claire Monk, the live safe manager at Essex fire and rescue service, adds: "only charge products when you are at home, and when you are awake so you can monitor the safe charging of those things."

The fire service is also calling for people to be wary about where they are disposing of their vapes.

“Please don’t throw vape batteries in your household bin, we’ve seen a sharp rise in fires in bin lorries and recycling centres." says Claire.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s tips to stay safe while charging vapes are:​

• Only use the battery and charger supplied with your device​
• Never leave vapes or e-cigarettes on charge unattended ​
• Do not mix components of different vapes or e-cigarettes​
• Make sure you purchase your vape or e-cigarette as well as any batteries or chargers from a reputable source​
• Check the vape or e-cigarette carries CE certification​

To help keep people who smoke or vape safer at home, Essex County Fire and Service offers free home fire safety visits to Essex residents to identify and reduce fire risks in your home.​

To book or refer someone for a Home Safety Visit, visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/online.​

To throw away a vape correctly, use a designated battery recycling point.

You can find your nearest one at loveessex.org.

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