Vape Sparks House Blaze in Aldwick
A vape pen set a house in Aldwick alight, prompting urgent warnings from firefighters about the dangers of rechargeable devices. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service raced to a South Avenue home at 10.41am on Thursday, 2 October, after a blaze broke out.
Fire crews, equipped with breathing apparatus, battled flames that gutted a first-floor bedroom using a high-pressure hose reel. Investigators found a vape device in the room, believed to be the fire’s cause.
Fire Chiefs Sound Alarm on Lithium-Ion Batteries
“Rechargeable devices such as e-cigarettes and vapes contain lithium-ion batteries which can start a fire,” warned Watch Commander Duncan Warwood.
He urged people to avoid using devices with damaged batteries and to always buy from reputable UK retailers. Warwood stressed the critical importance of working smoke alarms and regular testing.
“In the event of a fire, always get out, stay out, and call 999,” he added.
How to Dodge a Battery Fire Disaster
“Lithium-ion batteries are safe during normal use but pose a fire risk when overcharged, short-circuited, submerged in water, or damaged,” said Station Manager Darren Wickings, Chair of fire safety group LIBERATE.
- Use only the charger supplied or recommended by the manufacturer
- Charge devices on a flat, stable surface
- Never leave devices charging unattended or overnight
- Unplug chargers once fully charged
LIBERATE, backed by 178 members from fire services and waste management, campaigns to raise awareness and share best practices on lithium-ion battery safety.
Keep your home safe – treat rechargeable devices with care or face a potential nightmare fire.
