Safety alert issued over exploding E-cigarette chargers

A nationwide safety alert is being issued after a "highly disturbing" spate of fires caused by exploding e-cigarette chargers.

Many are thought to occur because some smokers are not using compatible chargers.

The Local Government Association (LGA) - which represents all 49 fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales fears there could be many more cases that are going unreported.

It has called for e-cigarette manufacturers to do more to warn of the dangers, including displaying prominent safety warnings about the issue, on packaging.

In one incident in Birmingham, an e-cigarette was left on a desk to charge via a computer USB port. While the owner was away from his desk, the battery leaked, spraying hot acid where he had been sitting moments earlier.

A similar e-cigarette battery exploded when it was left to charge in a house in Solihull, causing a fire and subsequent smoke damage to much of the room and its contents.

Figures from nationwide fire services reveal that, since 2012:

There were just eight call-outs in 2012, but this rose to 43 in 2013, with at least 62 in 2014.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, chair of the LGA's Fire Services Management Committee, said: "The recent spate of fires connected with e-cigarettes is highly disturbing and we are issuing a nationwide alert to users to be vigilant at all times. We are warning them that it is simply not worth risking their lives to save a few pounds by buying dodgy, dangerous or incompatible chargers.

"Tragically, at least one life appears to have been claimed and more fatalities could follow unless users become more aware of the risks and take sensible precautions", he added.