Latest news with #fireRisk
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Vapers warned not to stockpile ‘fire risk' disposables before UK ban
Vapers have been warned not to stockpile soon-to-be-banned disposables before Sunday's outright ban as they 'pose a significant fire risk'. The Local Government Association (LGA) said users were stocking up on single-use e-cigarettes while they could, as shops would face fines for selling them after the ban takes effect. And although the temptation from consumers may be to hoard their favourite flavours, the LGA said the lithium batteries inside could become a hazard if not stored correctly. David Fothergill, the chair of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said: 'We want to remind businesses to ensure all remaining stocks of disposable vapes are sold, and only buying vapes that follow the new regulations. 'If businesses have any single-use vapes in their possession after Sunday, they will not be able to sell them to shoppers and must ensure they are stored and disposed of safely. 'We would also urge caution to anyone stockpiling disposable vapes. Failing to store disposable vapes correctly could cost lives, given the significant fire risk they pose.' According to research by Haypp, an online nicotine retailer, 82% of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile. The ban is designed to reduce youth vaping and tackle the environmental damage caused by millions of the devices being thrown away each week. Retailers have been told to clear remaining stock and ensure leftover products are disposed of safely. Material Focus, a non-profit focused on improving electrical recycling in the UK, said 5 million disposable vapes were incorrectly discarded each week in the UK in 2024 – nearly four times higher than the previous year. Many contain lithium-ion batteries, posing fire risks and leaching toxic chemicals into the environment when binned incorrectly. Scott Butler, the executive director of Material Focus, said: 'Thirteen vapes every second are being incorrectly gotten rid of, and that's a huge environmental pollution problem. The liquid in many vape batteries is toxic and could run into waterways, as well as harm animals. It's also a significant fire risk because lithium batteries are known to cause fires when crushed with general waste.' 'Vapes are a huge environmental pollution problem, so we hope the ban goes some way to reducing waste,' he added. Disposables are also the most common device used by children who vape, with more than 20% of UK children having tried vaping, according to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). The devices are often sold in sweet flavours and brightly coloured packaging, which campaigners say appeal to underage users. Under the new rules, only vapes that are rechargeable, refillable and fitted with a replaceable coils (the heating element) will be allowed. Experts worry the industry may have already found ways to sidestep the UK government's ban, while cheaper vape imports rerouted from the US risk pushing down prices further. There are also concerns that new US tariffs on Chinese imports may increase cheap vape shipments to the UK, making enforcement of the ban more difficult. Hazel Cheeseman, the deputy chief executive of ASH, said: 'There's already a sizeable illegal market. Whether the disposable vapes ban makes that risk greater, I guess that depends on how quickly the legitimate retailers are making products available to people that suit their needs. 'People don't necessarily want to go looking for illegal products if they can buy legitimate products in their local corner shop or supermarket that meet their needs, why would they go off looking for dodgy ones?' There are also concerns about policing the vapes at borders and ports, said Kate Pike, the lead officer for vaping at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, who stressed that stronger import controls would be essential. 'We have extra funding to do more at ports and borders … From our point of view, it's important, because obviously it makes a big difference if we can stop [illegal vapes entering the country],' she said.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Wildfire risk rising as temperatures climb in southern Alberta
The wildfire risk is rising in southern Alberta, with temperatures expected to climb toward the 30 C mark over the next two days. In the Calgary Forest Area, the fire risk has been raised to high, according to Alberta Wildfire. 'Extremely warm temperatures combined with very strong winds will continue to increase the wildfire danger over the coming days,' Alberta Wildfire said in an update Wednesday. 'Although cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain are in the forecast for the coming weekend, we are anticipating several days of high to very high wildfire danger.' Temperatures are expected to continue to climb on Wednesday and Thursday. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued heat warnings for the majority of Alberta, including Calgary and Edmonton. 'Daytime temperatures in the high 20s today will increase to reach 30 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Overnight lows will be near 14 degrees Celsius,' ECCC said. 'Temperatures will begin to cool on Thursday as a cold front moves eastward across the province.' As of Wednesday morning, there were no active wildfires in the CFA. To date, the CFA has experienced 21 wildfires this year that have burned 32.82 hectares of land. The Calgary Forest Area includes a large area in southwestern Alberta, stretching from areas west of Carstairs, Cochrane and Calgary, and down south past Blairmore. Calgary Forest Area A map of the Calgary Forest Area. (Source: Alberta Wildfire) In Banff National Park, which is not included in the forest area, the fire danger is considered moderate, according to a bulletin posted by Parks Canada on Tuesday. 'Under moderate fire danger conditions, fires generally spread along the surface of the ground with the occasional tree or clump of trees igniting. Ground crews with conventional firefighting equipment can usually contain these fires,' Parks Canada says on its website. Any suspicious smoke or illegal campfires in the national park can be reported to Banff dispatch at (403)762-1470. Throughout Alberta's forest areas, there were 40 active wildfires on Wednesday, with 18 considered under control, 20 out of control and two being held.
ABC News
27-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Fears renewable energy batteries will put bushfire-prone town at 'risk'
Two big renewable batteries proposed for a Victorian country town are being opposed by some locals in the Kiewa Valley, who say they pose a catastrophic fire risk. 7.30's Alysia Thomas-Sam reports.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sunny Friday afternoon, but slightly cooler & unsettled weather for the weekend
SALT LAKE CITY () — Happy Friday, Utah! Our Friday afternoon will feature plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and dry conditions. Conditions are favorable for an elevated fire risk across SE Utah over the next few days. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Uintah and Grand counties through Friday evening. The dry fuels, breezy conditions, and very low humidity all stick around heading into Saturday, so new warnings may be issued for the weekend. Otherwise, look for another warm day with highs in the upper 70s to near 80 for the Wasatch Front and mid-90s for SW Utah. An upper-level low will pivot across Utah this weekend, bringing a slight increase in clouds, slightly cooler temperatures, and a chance for a few isolated showers & downpours. The chance will favor the higher elevations on Saturday afternoon, with more chances returning for Sunday afternoon. Highs will dip back into the upper 70s for the Wasatch Front, but remain in the upper 80s to lower 90s for SW Utah this weekend. Memorial Day continues to feature plenty of sunshine and another warm-up. Highs will be in the 80s along the Wasatch Front and mid to upper 90s for SW Utah. Looks like we will stick with the warmth and mainly dry conditions for most of next week. Stay tuned, we'll keep you 4Warned on-air and online! Midvale man charged with assaulting his 17-year-old 'wife' Idle Isle Café up for sale, former employees speak out Exploring Utah's newest state park, UtahRaptor State Park Sunny Friday afternoon, but slightly cooler & unsettled weather for the weekend Three injured after man accidentally shoots the ground at shooting range Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Fire risk recall impacts 106,000 Audi SUVs in Canada, U.S.
2023 Q5 sports-utility vehicles sit in a long row outside an Audi dealership Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Broomfield, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) More than 106,000 Audi SUVs are being recalled in Canada and the U.S. over a possible oil leak and fire risk that is being blamed on loose screws. According to a recent Transport Canada notice, the recall, triggered by Volkswagen, affects 2022 to 2024 Audi Q5 models, a compact luxury SUV. There are 16,863 impacted vehicles in Canada. A similar recall covers 89,417 Audi Q5s in the U.S. On certain vehicles, screws from the cylinder head cover can loosen and cause engine oil to leak. That creates a fire risk if oil comes into contact with hot components. 'If smoke is noticed in the engine compartment, the vehicle should be safely parked immediately,' the U.S. notice advises. 'Early engine oil leaks are difficult to detect, but in advanced cases and with a hot engine running, an unpleasant odor may be noticed and/or smoke may appear in the engine compartment if the defect condition exists.' The U.S. notice estimates that five per cent of the vehicles have the defect. According to the automaker, customer complaints started arriving in May 2023. The Audi Q5 is built in San José Chiapa, Mexico. Audi will notify Canadian owners by mail. Vehicles will be inspected at a dealership and screws will be replaced and tightened if needed. Volkswagen can be contacted at 1-800-822-8987.
