Fire crews attending Newbury blaze say vape battery was cause
A fire in a refuse truck in Newbury earlier this week is being blamed on a disposable vape.
At 2.10pm on Monday, July 22, crews from Newbury and Theale fire stations were sent to Equine Way to tackle the blaze.
They used a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots, and it was this that identified the vape.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the vape had been thrown in a bin before being picked up by refuse collectors.
It took crews around 21 minutes to put the fire out.
What uses lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are found in many household electrical goods such as laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes and some vapes.
The batteries can cause sudden and ferocious fires if misused or damaged.
If the power cells are damaged or exposed to heat, they can catch fire due to the flammable gasses it generates. They can also explode.
Last November, Gail Muirhead, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service’s prevention manager, said: “Products using lithium-ion batteries are incredibly popular. Generally speaking these products are safe.
“However, misusing electrical goods, even those as commonplace as mobile phones and vapes, can have fatal consequences.”
What is best practice with lithium-ion batteries?
• Charge batteries while you are awake and alert and do not charge them if you are away from home;
• Do not overcharge your batteries. Check the instructions for charge times;
• Always use the manufacturer approved chargers for your electronic items and carefully follow the instructions provided;
• Purchase electrical goods from reputable retailers;
• Unplug the chargers when you have finished using them;
• Check your batteries regularly for any signs of damage;
• Avoid charging items near combustible or flammable materials;
• If possible, avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors;
• If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling;
• Ensure your smoke alarms are working; and
• In the event of a fire involving a lithium-ion battery, do not attempt to put it out. The fire service says people should get out, stay out and call 999.
How should you dispose of lithium-ion batteries?
West Berkshire Council considers lithium-ion batteries and vapes as hazardous waste.
They can be taken to the Newtown Road Recycling Centre, in Newtown Road in Newbury, or the Padworth IWMF site in Padworth Lane.
Places should be booked in advance using the online permit system.
A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service said: “If you use a produce containing a lithium-ion battery, please ensure that you dispose of the product properly.
“Read more about electrical fire safety on our website.”
Visit https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/latest-news/2023/royal-berkshire-fire-and-rescue-service-issues-electrical-fire-safety-advice-ahead-of-festive-season/ to find out more about lithium-ion batteries.
