Households warned over common vape mistake that can cause ‘ferocious' toxic fires that are nearly impossible to put out

The Sun

08-06-2025

VAPERS have been warned over a common mistake that could cause their devices to erupt into "ferocious" toxic fires.
The lithium batteries inside vapes can have a severe chemical reaction if the devices are treated recklessly, fire safety experts have warned.
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Throwing them around or dropping them too much can damage the batteries over time.
'Given we commonly keep smaller vapes in our pockets, if they fail and catch fire it's not uncommon to see serious burns as a result," Giuseppe Capanna, product safety expert at charity Electrical Safety First, told The Sun.
"If a vape is substandard, exposed to high temperatures, short circuits or becomes damaged, it risks causing a toxic fire caused by a chemical reaction inside the battery cells.
"This process, called thermal runway, creates ferocious fires releasing a large amount of energy in a short space of time."
It's also important to use the right charging cable, and avoid leaving a vape in high temperatures or submerged in water.
"If you own a vape it's really important you treat it with care, avoid carelessly throwing it around which may cause the battery inside to become damaged over time," explained Capanna.
"Ensure you use a compatible charger for your device and keep it away from areas where it may be exposed to high temperatures or risk coming into contact with water."
It follows a government ban on single-use vapes, primarily due to environmental concerns and a rise in youth vaping.
Since 1 June 2025, businesses have had to stop selling or supplying all single-use or 'disposable' vapes.
As well as being an eyesore, littered vapes - both single-use and reusable - can also be a fire risk.
They also introduce harmful chemicals into the soil, rivers and streams, so it's "vital" they are recycled, according to Capanna.
"Incorrectly disposing of your vape in your household bin risks it becoming crushed when being processed in the back of the lorry, triggering waste collection fires that release toxic fumes," he said.
"When your vape comes to the end of its life, either check if your local retailer offers a take back scheme to safely hand in your battery, or find your nearest recycling centre that will accept battery powered devices."
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The London Fire Brigade has warned that here has been an uptick in vape-related fires across the UK, due to the devices being incorrectly thrown away in normal waste.
When the lithium batteries become crushed in waste collection vehicles on their way to the landfill they can spark fires.
Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged.
London Fire Brigade
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told The Sun: "Fires involving vapes can occur when the lithium-ion batteries that power them fail or become damaged or crushed.
"Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged.
"When lithium-ion battery fires happen, they can be ferocious and can spread in seconds."
Between 2020 to 2024, the London Fire Brigade was called out to 41 vape-related fires, occurring in homes, shops, and even hospitals.
Six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to tackle a blaze at a shop in Harlesden in August 2024, which was believed to have been sparked by a faulty vape's lithium battery.
Photos provided by the London Fire Brigade show blackened rooms blanketed with ash.
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In April 2024, a day ward at Hampstead hospital was left damaged after the lithium battery in a rechargeable vape exploded in a visitor's bag.
Another photo from the brigade shows a South London home ravaged by a vape-related fire.
A bedroom has been reduced to ashes, with all contents inside obliterated.
Another risky mistake is to charge vapes by the bed or sofa.
Glenn Flannery, commercial director at fire alarm systems provider Spy Alarms, warned that this is a "definite no-no".
"These devices often come without standards such as CE or ISO marking and therefore fall into a similar risk bracket as things like e-scooters.
"However, due to their size and nature, we often find them being charged by the bed or the sofa... The primary fire hazard linked to vapes is their lithium-ion batteries, which can fail catastrophically if damaged, improperly charged, or poorly manufactured."
REDUCE THE RISK
According to Spy Alarm, households should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of a vape-related fire:
Use only the charger supplied with the vape or one recommended by the manufacturer.
Avoid charging overnight or while unattended. Most vape-related fires happen when people are asleep or away.
Regularly inspect the device and battery for signs of damage, bulging, or leakage.
Buy vape devices and batteries from reputable suppliers. Avoid counterfeit or unbranded products.
Don't modify the device or attempt DIY repairs.
Stop using the device if it gets excessively hot during use or charging.
Unplug chargers when not in use.
Install working smoke alarms on every floor of the home and test them regularly.
Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag. Use a battery case to prevent accidental short circuits.
Store vape batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
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