Vaping is now a common sight across Ireland and across all age groups. While vapes may seem harmless, they carry real fire risks, especially when it comes to charging, storage, and disposal.

At Fire Products Direct, we aim to raise awareness of these dangers and help you stay safe. Whether you vape yourself or have teenagers at home who do, it’s worth understanding where the risks lie – and how to avoid them.

What Makes Vapes a Fire Risk?

The danger comes from the lithium-ion batteries inside e-cigarettes and vape pens.

These batteries are small but powerful, and when damaged, overheated, overcharged, or disposed of incorrectly, they can catch fire or even explode.

Recent reports, including warnings from the EPA and fire services across Ireland and the UK, highlight the increasing number of fires started by vapes – especially in bins, recycling centres, and homes.

The Main Fire Hazards

Here’s where things can go wrong:

Charging

Using the wrong charger can overload the battery.
Charging overnight or leaving a vape on charge unattended can cause overheating.
Damaged or cheap charging cables are a common fire risk.

Battery damage

Dropping a vape or exposing it to heat (like leaving it on a car dashboard in the sun) can lead to battery failure and fire.
Overuse or poor manufacturing in cheap vape pens can cause swelling or internal faults.

Disposal

Throwing used vapes in your household waste bin can lead to fires in the bins and recycling centres.
Even when “dead,” lithium-ion batteries can still hold a charge and become unstable under pressure or heat.

How to Stay Safe

You can dramatically reduce the risk of fire by following these simple steps:

Charging

Only use the manufacturer’s recommended charger.
Never charge a vape on your bed, couch, or under a pillow – it needs space to breathe.
Don’t leave it charging overnight or while you’re out of the house.
If the vape gets unusually hot during charging, unplug it immediately.

Storage

Keep your vape in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Avoid carrying loose vapes or spare batteries in your pocket with coins or keys – this can cause short circuits.

Disposal

Never bin your vape – it could start a fire in your general waste or at a recycling centre.
Bring used vapes or disposable e-cigarettes to your local WEEE drop-off point (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
Most electrical retailers in Ireland offer free recycling of small electronics like vapes.

Vapes might be small, but their fire risk is very real – especially when it comes to poor charging habits or careless disposal.

If you vape or have vapers in your home, take a few minutes to review your charging setup and learn how to dispose of them properly. It’s a small step that could prevent a dangerous fire.

And as always, make sure you have working smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher or blanket nearby – especially in the kitchen or anywhere you regularly charge devices.

Remember: If you Discover a Fire

Raise the alarm

Evacuate the premises

Call 999 or 112

Only tackle the fire if safe to do so

Be Smart. Be Prepared. Be Safe.