Concerns of fire risk ahead of disposable vape ban as users stockpile devices
Research suggests 82% of people using disposable vapes are bulk buying devices ahead of the ban in June
Last updated 15th May 2025
Safety experts are worried that the risk of house fires is going up ahead of the ban on disposable vapes coming into force in Britain next month.
Research from the Haypp Group suggests more than 8 in 10 people in the country using single use vapes is stockpiling devices before the ban on their sale kicks in.
37% of people in South West & Wales say they will stockpile enough to last 3 months and 28% intend to buy enough to last more than six months.
Greatest Hits Radio spoke to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service about the fire concerns being raised as people prepare for the ban.
The concerns stem from the fact that the devices use lithium-ion batteries.
Group Manager, Dave Adamson, told us that stockpiling them could lead to disastrous consequences in the event of a fire.
"What you're doing is you are effectively increasing the fire loading and put it and concentrating it in one area," he said, telling us that even though the batteries are small, they can potentially "increase the intensity and size of a fire, once it spreads and involves those lithium-ion devices".
Dave said that the devices themselves aren't enough to start a fire, if they're stored safely.
He said: "The only way that they would potentially start a fire as if they were dismantled or fiddled with in any way, or if they were damaged or pierced against an object.
"That would cause what we call thermal runaway and could potentially start a fire, but just on their own they shouldn't be an ignition risk."
He also advised people buying the vapes to ensure they're getting devices that meet UK safety standards.
"Make sure you buy your e-cigarrete from a reputable source or shop," he said, adding: "there is a CE Mark certification on the e-cigarrete, so check for that mark and then just follow the manufacturers guidance.
"Training standards are the experts in reputable vapes, so you can contact them over any e-cigarrete safety concerns."