Vape Fire Warning Issued After Sharp Rise in West Midlands Incidents
Fire safety consultants have issued a stark warning to vape users across the West Midlands following alarming data revealing a significant increase in vape-related fires. New figures obtained through a freedom of information request show a troubling upward trend in incidents linked to disposable and rechargeable vaping devices.
Alarming Data Reveals Escalating Problem
According to data secured by fire alarm supplier The Fire Co from West Midlands Fire Service, there were eleven confirmed or suspected vape-related fires recorded between 1 January 2021 and 11 February 2026. The most concerning statistic shows that eight of these incidents occurred in 2025 alone, marking a dramatic escalation from previous years.
In 2024, West Midlands Fire Service attended just two vape-related fires, while already in the current year, one incident has been reported. This sharp increase has raised serious concerns among fire safety professionals about the growing risk posed by improperly discarded vaping products.
Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose Significant Fire Hazard
Rob Watchorn, Director and Fire Safety Consultant at The Fire Co, explained the primary cause of these dangerous incidents. "People use these products every day, but many don't know what is inside them," he stated. "Many of the lithium-ion batteries found inside disposable and rechargeable vapes have the potential to start fires when they are crushed, damaged, or thrown away incorrectly."
Watchorn emphasized that these batteries can overheat and ignite within seconds, creating rapid fire hazards that many users don't anticipate. "Unfortunately, many people don't realise the risk," he added, highlighting the need for greater public awareness about proper vape disposal.
National Pattern Mirrored in West Midlands
The West Midlands situation reflects a broader national pattern that has been developing over recent years. "In the past few years, we've seen councils and fire services across the country reporting similar incidents," Watchorn noted. "Fire services are warning about the increasing pressure on crews and recycling operators."
He expressed particular concern about the impact on essential services: "Every fire at a recycling centre or waste facility puts crews, site workers and local communities at risk. These are hardworking teams, and they should not be facing avoidable dangers because of how products are being thrown away."
Proper Disposal Methods Crucial for Safety
To prevent further incidents, fire safety experts have outlined clear disposal guidelines for vape users:
- Vapes should never be placed in household bins
- They should be taken to dedicated battery recycling points
- Users can return devices through retailer take-back schemes
- Disposal at Household Waste Recycling Centres that accept batteries is recommended
- If batteries can be safely removed, this further reduces fire risk
Watchorn emphasized that this is a preventable issue: "With better awareness and proper disposal, we can protect local services, protect workers and stop these fires from happening in the first place." The warning comes as fire services across the region work to educate the public about the hidden dangers of improper vape disposal and the critical importance of following safe recycling practices.
