Date: 9th October, 2018
An overheated e-cigarette battery charging unit is believed to have been the cause of a fire at a house in Christchurch yesterday evening (8 October).
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the property in Station Road at 7.17pm, where a first floor bedroom was affected by fire.
Two fire crews from Christchurch tackled the blaze, using four breathing apparatus wearers and two hose reel jets. The occupiers of the house escaped without injury, having been alerted by their smoke alarm.
Station Manager Graham Kewley said: “It’s not clear whether the charger was faulty, the batteries had been fitted into it incorrectly, or there was some other issue; however, we would always advise that any item fitted with a rechargeable battery should never be left unattended while charging. Fortunately, the damage to the property was limited, as the bedroom door was kept closed, and the family had working smoke alarms.”
The following advice should always be followed by e-cigarette users:
- Never leave e-cigarettes on charge and unattended for long periods, and never leave a device on charge overnight.
- Don’t mix components of different e-cigarettes.
- Only use the charger supplied.
- Ensure that you purchase your e-cigarette from a reputable source.
- Check the e-cigarette carries CE certification.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Never charge e-cigarettes near or on combustible or flammable materials.
- Contact Trading Standards over any e-cigarette safety concerns.
For more advice on the safe use of e-cigarettes, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/smoking-and-e-cigarettes