Urgent warning issued after 'significant house fire' started by rechargeable vape
Insurance expert Aviva has warned of a shocking increase in fire damage claims related to lithium-ion batteries, found in rechargeable vapes.
An e-cigarette being charged with an incompatible charger that caused a "significant house fire," and has prompted an urgent safety warning from experts.
Insurance company Aviva say that over the past year, it has seen a staggering seven percent increase in customer claims for potentially deadly fires started by lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in rechargeable devices like vapes, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
The shocking data released by Aviva covers fire claims across 2022 and 2023.
As well as the significant house fire mentioned above that was started by a rechargeable vape, lithium-ion batteries also caused extensive fire damage to a house after an e-bike with a second-hand battery was left charging unattended in a bedroom.
On top of that, the report also mentions a phone which exploded during charging after getting wet, an annexe which was destroyed by fire after batteries were left charging unattended, and a fire in a garage after a faulty charger was used to charge a remote controlled car.
Awareness around the risks posed by these batteries is low, the insurer says.
The research comes just days after a dad warned how he suffered third-degree burns when a vape exploded in his pocket. Robert Kane said his e-cigarette battery suddenly made a noise like a firework before sending shooting pain into his leg.
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The 37-year-old described the agony he felt like 'having his leg placed in an oven' as a result of the battery acid that scorched through his thigh and lower leg.
Kane told the Liverpool Echo: "Now I tell anyone vaping is not worth it. They are potentially walking around with a ticking time bomb in their pocket. I got third degree burns in seconds from a battery and have the scars to prove it."
In 2022, a charging vape sparked a devastating house fire in Essex. Four fire crews were sent out to tackle the blaze caused by a vape overheating after it was left charging unattended.
The fire completely destroyed a bedroom. Emergency services said that the residents would be unable to stay in the property for 'some time' after the incident, which left gaping holes in the roof.
Speaking at the time, Watch Manager Martin Cable from Maldon Fire Station, said: "Incidents like this show how important it is to think about how you should charge your electrical items safely."
However, even two years later it seems that many people are still unaware of the dangers posed by rechargeable vapes.
Aviva's new research also found that 41 percent don’t know what a lithium-ion battery is, and 42 percent are unaware of the fire risks associated with charging them.
Also, 71 percent don’t know the warning signs of a lithium-ion battery that is about to fail, such as overheating, poor performance, and bulging or leaking batteries.
An Aviva spokesperson said: “For the majority of people, devices powered by lithium-ion batteries such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, and e-bikes are safe to use. However, these batteries can present a significant fire risk if the battery fails, is faulty, or is charged incorrectly.
“Likewise, with consumers buying lithium-ion batteries and lithium-powered devices from second-hand retailers or sellers, there is increased potential for batteries to be damaged or faulty on purchase, for the battery in the device to be different to the original, or for the charger supplied with the device to be the incorrect charger.
“Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can devastate a property and are more difficult to extinguish. With this in mind, we urge customers to be aware of the fire risk from lithium-ion batteries and protect themselves and their properties from potentially devastating outcomes.”
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