NEW DATA shows that vape-related fires have been reported five times as much as in 2020.
Data from released by Electric Tobacconist has published data collected through Freedom of Information requests which shows the fires related to vapes and e-cigarettes have risen by 400% in Berkshire over the last five years.
This is higher than the national average of a rise of 348%.
However the rise of 400% in Berkshire constitutes a total of 11 incidents in the county between 2020-2024– just one incident in 2020 jumping to five last year.
Nationally, 89 reports in 2020 jumped to 399 in 2024, totalling 1,056 fires in five years.
This is equivalent to roughly 1 vape fire every 1.7 days, almost every other day, since 2020.
Overall, Berkshire ranked 22nd in the rankings of highest number of incidents, with Staffordshire, Greater Manchester, and Kent in first, second, and third respectively.
Incorrect disposal of vapes and batteries has been the cause of numerous fires in the county.
In May, firefighters in Slough rushed to the scene of a fire where a disposable vape caused a blaze in the back of a bin lorry, causing Slough council to issue warnings urging residents to dispose of vapes and other lithium-ion batteries responsibly.
Staffordshire saw the largest amount of incidents, with 13 in 2020 jumping to 49 in 2024 (159 in total over the five-year period).
Users of vapes and e-cigarettes are reminded to buy products from reputable dealers, follow the instructions for use and only use chargers designed for use with the specific device, as some chargers may overcharge the product, leading to an increased risk of fire.
Users should also protect batteries against being damaged, crushed or punctured and don’t immerse in water.
Stop using or charging your vape if you notice that it is overheating, becomes very hot to touch, starts to make unusual sounds, or if the battery won’t fully charge and or takes a long time to charge– and especially at any sign or smell of smoke.
They shouldn’t be left unattended when charging, especially overnight and next to beds.
It shouldn’t be left on continuous charge, or covered when charging.
More information about Electric Tobacconist is available via: electrictobacconist.co.uk
