Fire warning issued to households over common vape mistake
One common vape mistake could lead to highly toxic fires that are nearly impossible to put out.
Fire safety experts have warned that if vapes are thrown around or frequently dropped they could start a 'ferocious' fire.
When the devices are treated carelessly, it can trigger the lithium batteries inside vapes to have a severe chemical reaction.
The reaction known as thermal runaway, can cause explosive and highly toxic fires that are almost impossible to put out.
It can occur when a vape is damaged, short circuits or exposed to high temperatures.
The London Fire Brigade has also warned that a recent increase in vape-related fires across the UK is due to the devices being disposed incorrectly.
When general rubbish or recycling is collected, vapes are often crushed, compacted, punctured or soaked in liquids.
This can cause the batteries to overheat or ignite.
File image: Fire safety experts have warned that if vapes are thrown around or frequently dropped they could start a 'ferocious' fire
Even if they do not start a fire, damaged batteries also release harmful chemicals and materials that can damage the environment if not recycled responsibly.
The lithium batteries need to be disposed of at a recycling centre.
Many vape retailers offer take-back services for disposable vapes.
Some councils also have recycling points at household recycling centres. Consumers can check their local council's website to find out if this is available in their area.
Between 2020 and 2024, the London Fire Brigade were called to 41 vape-related fires.
Giuseppe Capanna, product safety expert at charity Electrical Safety First, told The Sun: '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.
'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.'
Electrical Safety First urged vapers not to 'bin the battery' following the ban on the sale of disposable or single-use vapes from June 1.
A survey for the charity found almost three in five vapers plan on throwing their old vapes into their household's general waste or recycling bin, prompting fears of fires in refuse trucks and waste centres.
This is despite 71 per cent of vapers admitting that they are aware that improper disposal of vapes can cause fires.
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