A SURVEY has found that the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the second highest levels of smoking-related fire incidents last year.
A collection of data sourced by Vape Superstore examined the number of fires started by cigarettes and smoking-materials in different districts.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service saw a relatively high percentage of fires caused by smoking, at around 22%–a rise from just under 16% in 2023.
Royal Berks saw a drop from 8% in 2023 to just over 7% last year–a drop from 122 to 107–placing it in the second-highest spot.
It was followed in third place by Kent, Humberside in fourth, East Sussex in fifth, and London in sixth, which all saw drops of around a percent.
Meanwhile Northern Ireland saw the lowest proportion of fires caused by smoking-related causes, with just 0.24%, followed by Cumbria and Mid and West Wales at 0.45% and 0.5% respectively.
It comes in the wake of a study in the summer which showed that fires related to vapes and e-cigarettes have risen by 400% in Berkshire over the last five years.
This is higher than the national average of a rise of 348%.
However the rise of 400% in Berkshire constitutes a total of 11 incidents in the county between 2020-2024– just one incident in 2020 jumping to five last year.
RBFRS figures show that smoking-related fires are responsible for a quarter of all fatalities in accidental domestic fires.
The proper disposal of cigarettes is among the key things people can focus on to ensure safety when smoking: the use of proper, non-combustible ash trays while inside means cigarettes can cool properly before disposal.
Smoking outdoors is safer than smoking indoors, as even a single piece of ash could start a fire.
Residents are advised never to smoke in bed, or if using emollient creams, and to never leave them unattended.
Users of vapes and e-cigarettes are reminded to buy products from reputable dealers, follow the instructions for use and only use chargers designed for use with the specific device, as some chargers may overcharge the product, leading to an increased risk of fire.
Users should also protect batteries against being damaged, crushed or punctured and don’t immerse in water.
Stop using or charging your vape if you notice that it is overheating, becomes very hot to touch, starts to make unusual sounds, or if the battery won’t fully charge and or takes a long time to charge– and especially at any sign or smell of smoke.
They shouldn’t be left unattended when charging, especially overnight and next to beds.
It shouldn’t be left on continuous charge, or covered when charging.
David Phillips from Vape Superstore said: “It’s interesting to see the large differences between regions and their smoking materials or cigarette-related fires.
“It shows that in certain areas of the country, like South Yorkshire or Berkshire, need for further education on the dangers that cigarettes or smoking materials, such as cigars, lighters or matches, pose in the home.
“It may cause a shift in cigarette users, as using vapes reduces the ignition risks linked to smoking.
“Ensuring you dispose of your vape properly can further reduce any emergencies from occurring.”
More information about Vape Superstore is available via: vapesuperstore.co.uk
