A few days ago, a vape shop in Glasgow caught on fire. The fire turned into an inferno and devoured part of the historical building. This tragic event draws the attention of the public, and officials show concern about the "Wild West" style of vape shops storing their products. Although I am not sure whether the fire was caused by a malfunctioning vape or not, I think it is time we talk about how to prevent and deal with fires caused by e-cigarettes and vape explosions. Hope everyone can vape safely.
1. Do Vapes Have Lithium Batteries?
Of course. Almost all the electronic equipment we have nowadays depends on a lithium-ion battery. They are lightweight and high in energy density. Moreover, it offers fast recharge so that you can use your vape all the time and recharge it from time to time.
2. Do Disposable Vapes Have Lithium Batteries?
Disposable vapes are also powered by lithium batteries. Since most disposable kits are not refillable, the lithium batteries support limited times of recharging and are discarded sooner than those of the refillable vapes. In short, disposable vapes usually carry more powerful lithium batteries and deserve recycling. However, the mass production of cheap and low-quality disposable vapes only uses cheap batteries. In general, a refillable vape is safer to use than a disposable vape thanks to the quality control and reliable brands.
3. How to Store Vapes Safely?
Storing vapes is not as easy as you imagine. The "Wild West" style could put everyone in danger. Whether it is pre-charged or not, vape devices with lithium-ion batteries might catch fire if the battery is damaged. If you run a vape shop depending on disposable vapes, those pre-charged products require extra attention besides the local fire code to follow. These tips also work for vapers who have their own collection of e-cigarettes and accessories at home.
(1) Temperature Control
For human rights and safety, you definitely need A/C in the store room or warehouse. Keep your vapes in a cool, dry place, and the ideal storage can be 68–77 °F.
Excessive heat exposure, for example, if you leave vapes in a hot truck or near sunlight outside the warehouse, will cause thermal runaway, which inevitably makes the lithium-ion battery in the vape produce heat, gas, and flame.
(2) Quality Control
Always stock vapes from the official site, authorized retailers, or trustworthy online vape shops. Shady websites could be phishing or charge you the same money and offer you counterfeits in return.
Vape brands also matter. Choose the brand people talk about and avoid those without an official website or social media account. The US vape market is flooded with OEM vapes now, and each model has at least 5 different brands. There is no after-sales service or guarantee if you choose such products.
(3) 18650 Battery Safety
For experienced vapers, 18650 batteries are a must for advanced vape mod kits. These powerful batteries require more precautions, too.
| Aspect | Safety Guidelines | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 15–25 °C (59–77 °F) | Keep away from sunlight, heaters, and hot appliances |
| Charge Level for Storage | ~40–60% | Avoid fully charged or fully drained batteries for long-term storage |
| Physical Protection | Use plastic cases or battery sleeves | Prevents scratches, dents, and short circuits |
| Terminal Protection | Keep terminals insulated (tape or sleeve) | Prevents short circuits with other batteries or metal objects |
| Separation | Store batteries individually | Do not let multiple batteries touch each other |
| Fire Safety | Use fireproof containers or LiPo bags for multiple batteries | Install smoke detector nearby; have extinguisher ready |
| Damaged Batteries | Do not use or store swollen, leaking, or punctured cells | Dispose of properly at authorized recycling centers |
| Humidity | Keep under 50% relative humidity | Moisture can damage casing and reduce battery life |
| Labeling & Rotation | Mark purchase date / cycles; rotate usage | Use older batteries first (first-in, first-out) |
4. Do I Need to Worry About Vape Explosion?
The cause of a vape explosion is similar to a vape fire. A vape explosion can be difficult to predict and prepare for. According to my little research done with ChatGPT, there are less than ten vape explosion cases reported last year in the United States. Considering the large population of American vapers, this seems like good news. However, if you really want to be 100% p safe, you can choose a vape with a detachable battery, the one you can turn off completely.
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Lost Mary Nera Fullview 70K
Lost Mary Nera Fullview 70K is one of the few that completely separates the battery and pod. The detachable battery is a must for recharging and vaping. As a result, you can keep the battery somewhere else for extra safety. You can refill the pod and keep the battery for further use as well.
5. How to Avoid Vape Accidents?
Despite the low likelihood, we still need to prevent vape accidents. At first, you need to choose a trustworthy online vape shop if you prefer high-quality vapes and accessories and convenience.
Secondly, always keep your vape away from heat sources. Don't leave it in your car or put it by the window in the sun. A lithium battery is sensitive to excessive heat.
Last but not least, don't overcharge your vape or 18650 batteries. Always unplug them before you leave the room or go to bed. Long-time charging without attention is risky.
6. How to Put Out A Vape/Lithium-Ion Battery Fire?
(1) Evacuate People and Pets
Do this first, as fire caused by lithium-ion batteries is unpredictable and difficult to handle for the unprofessional.
(2) Call 911
Professional help is trustworthy. Be brave and wise at the same time. You can describe the situation and tell them what causes the fire and how the situation is so that they can get prepared as soon as possible.
(3) Use a Class D Extinguisher
The Class D extinguisher is for combustible metal fires. It uses dry powder to smother the fire.
(4) Cool Your E-cigarettes
If you feel your vape warmer than usual or emits smoke, move it outdoors if you can. Put it away from people, pets, and inflammable items around you. Put it in a non-flammable container if you can. You may also bury it in sand or wrap it in a dry fire blanket.
7. Conclusion
What happened to the historic building in Glasgow is really sad. What we can do is to learn to prevent and deal with vape fire or explosion in advance so that we can keep people around us safe and sound. I sincerely hope you vape safely and responsibly. I will see you next time.
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