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E-cigarette safety alert issued after spate of fires E-cigarette charger safety alert issued after spate of fires
(about 17 hours later)
A nationwide alert has been issued warning of the dangers of fires caused by exploding e-cigarette chargers.A nationwide alert has been issued warning of the dangers of fires caused by exploding e-cigarette chargers.
More than 100 fires have been blamed on the devices over the past two years, according to fire service figures.More than 100 fires have been blamed on the devices over the past two years, according to fire service figures.
The Local Government Association (LGA), representing the 49 fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales, wants e-cigarette manufacturers to display warnings on packaging.The Local Government Association (LGA), representing the 49 fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales, wants e-cigarette manufacturers to display warnings on packaging.
Fire chiefs say many blazes are caused by the wrong chargers being used.Fire chiefs say many blazes are caused by the wrong chargers being used.
If a charger that is not compatible to the device is used, too much current goes into the batteries, meaning they can overheat and eventually explode.If a charger that is not compatible to the device is used, too much current goes into the batteries, meaning they can overheat and eventually explode.
'Highly disturbing''Highly disturbing'
More than two million people across the UK are estimated to use e-cigarettes, which deliver vaporised liquid nicotine but do not contain tobacco and do not produce smoke.More than two million people across the UK are estimated to use e-cigarettes, which deliver vaporised liquid nicotine but do not contain tobacco and do not produce smoke.
Many e-cigarette smokers use incompatible or cheap chargers however, the LGA says.Many e-cigarette smokers use incompatible or cheap chargers however, the LGA says.
Emergency services received eight call-outs to fires related to e-cigarettes in 2012, according to data from 43 of the 49 fire authorities.Emergency services received eight call-outs to fires related to e-cigarettes in 2012, according to data from 43 of the 49 fire authorities.
That number rose to over 40 in 2013, and there were more than 60 in 2014.That number rose to over 40 in 2013, and there were more than 60 in 2014.
Cases that have emerged recently include:Cases that have emerged recently include:
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, chairman 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. How to safely charge your e-cigarette
"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. (Source: LGA)
"Fire authorities all over the country are being called out more regularly to these types of incidents. Councillor Jeremy Hilton, chairman of the LGA's fire services management committee, said users should be "vigilant at all times".
"Alarmingly, there is no way of knowing the true figure as we understand many cases are going unreported." "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," he said.
There was no way of knowing the true figure of incidents as many ere going unreported, he added.