The rise in vape-related fires has become a significant concern for refuse workers in the UK, with reports showing a fourfold increase from 2020 to 2024. Sean Holness, a loader at a waste management company, recounted instances of fires caused by improperly disposed vapes, raising urgency for public awareness on safe disposal methods, especially for battery-operated devices. Fire response data revealed a total of 1,056 incidents related to vape fires. The London Fire Brigade has highlighted this surge, emphasizing safety risks to both workers and the public.
We don't know when a fire can break out - we feel unsafe and are concerned about the safety of the general public.
Vapes are among a number of dangerous items being thrown away in household waste, causing fires and explosions and putting refuse workers at risk.
The number of vape-related fires in the UK have more than quadrupled since 2020, from 89 reports in 2020 to 399 in 2024.
It is scary and it is something that we would much prefer not to think about or even experience.
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