Overcharging e-cigarettes can cause fires

Firefighters have issued a warning about the fire risk from using and charging e-cigarettes.

This follows a sharp increase in the number of fire incidents in the region attended by Merseyside Fire and Res- cue crews involving e-cigarettes and chargers.

This includes 18 incidents in Merseyside since 2016, many involving e-cigarette batteries catching fire while on charge.

Often this has been caused by e- cigarettes being overcharged, phys- ical damage to the charger or battery, the use of cheap or poor quality char- gers or cigarette batteries, plus the use of incompatible devices.

Tony Harland, incident investigator for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Ser- vice, said: “People who use e- cigarette chargers may not realise just how dangerous they can be if they are not used properly or are cheaply made.

“Several incidents we have atten- ded have significant fires breaking out because either the battery itself is faulty or the battery charger is poorly made or incompatible. The risks are considerable and could present a seri- ous threat to life.