Three houses uninhabitable after vape ‘burst into flames'
Eight fire engines were deployed to the Gainsborough, Lincolnshire property on Friday afternoon after a house fire had spread to neighbouring properties.
Fire officials said three of the homes had been left uninhabitable due to fire damage. The Grey St fire was caused by an exploding vape. Credit: BBC
'(The fire had) gone through the roof spaces, unfortunately, so there is quite significant damage to those three houses,' Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson Helen Tooley said.
'The fourth one, next to it, there is a hole in the roof, and there was extensive smoke damage as well in that one'.
The three hospitalised individuals are not believed to have any life-threatening injuries from the blaze and are expected to recover.
Local reports say a vape was being charged on a bed when it had started to emit smoke.
When the resident removed it from charge, the device burst into flames.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has issued a warning to residents.
'If you are using vapes or any electronic equipment that needs charging, please use the proper chargers - make sure it's in a safe place and unplug it if you're not in the room'.
A fundraiser has been set up to help support families with homes impacted by the fire.
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