'Vapes have caused fires in my bin lorry - it's scary'

Vapes have caused a significant rise in fires in the UK, with incidents quadrupling since 2020. Sean Holness, a loader at a waste management company, reported two fires due to improperly discarded vapes in just six months. Fire service data revealed an increase in vape-related fires from 89 in 2020 to 399 in 2024, amounting to a total of 1,056 incidents across the UK. In London, the Fire Brigade responded to 41 vape-related incidents in that timeframe, highlighting a sharp rise in calls. Experts warn that lithium-ion batteries found in vapes can explode and catch fire if disposed of carelessly.

With a government ban on single-use vapes approaching, campaigners believe the issue may worsen as new products are introduced. Pascal Culverhouse from the Electric Tobacconist emphasizes the importance of recycling vapes at designated points rather than in regular bins. Public awareness and adherence to proper disposal guidelines are essential to prevent further dangers associated with discarded vapes.