Vape fires surge across UK - alarming rise sparks calls for urgent action

Experts are warning of a growing fire safety crisis as research reveals a spiralling increase in vape-related fires across the UK.

The number of fires sparked by vapes across the UK has risen by 348 percent since 2020 bringing the total to 1,056 last year, according to the research based on Freedom of Information requests to UK fire services. This equates to nearly one incident every other day.

The analysis follows a previous study from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) which reported a 108 percent increase in house fires alone that were caused by vapes between 2021 and 2023.

Experts say the lithium-ion batteries inside vapes are extremely volatile making them prone to overheating and sparking fires.

The incidents are often linked to the improper disposal of vapes as the batteries can spontaneously ignite when faulty, damaged, improperly charged or crushed.

House fires caused by vape batteries are particularly dangerous, experts say, as they burn hotter and spread faster causing extensive damage and releasing toxic gases that put lives in danger.

The study, commissioned by Electric Tobacconist, an electric vape shop, follows research which indicates that over 8 million vapes are discarded or incorrectly recycled each week in the UK. These often end up in general waste, where damaged batteries can also cause fires in refuse vehicles and waste facilities.

The UK government has recently announced a ban on single-use disposable vapes, to take effect on June 1, 2025. It aims to reduce environmental damage associated with improper disposal.

Experts emphasise the need for increased public awareness regarding the safe use and disposal of vapes. The National Fire Chiefs Council recommends consumers use only the chargers provided with their devices, avoid charging vapes overnight, and ensure vapes are disposed of at recycling points.

Approximately 11 percent of UK adults are now using e-cigarettes. A quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vaping and nearly 1 in 10 (9 percent) do it frequently, according to NHS figures.

A spokesperson from the Fire and Rescue Service outlined how to minimise the risk of vape fires.

Advice includes the following - charge vapes safely by using the correct charger, never leaving them unattended or on overnight, and removing them as soon as they’re fully charged.

Avoid extreme temperatures, don’t cover batteries while charging, and never store them near metal objects like keys or coins, as this can cause dangerous short circuits.

Only use genuine products, never tamper with devices, and stop using damaged equipment immediately. In case of a fire involving a lithium-ion battery, don’t try to extinguish it—evacuate, call 999, and make sure to recycle vapes properly through designated schemes rather than throwing them in household bins.

For more information visit https://www.electrictobacconist.co.uk/