Last year, there were 172 fires involving electronic cigarettes. This was up from 132 in 2024 and is almost six times the 31 fires recorded in 2021. The numbers come from a freedom of information request made by insurer Zurich which secured responses from 38 fire brigades across the UK.

Zurich believes the number of fires involving vapes and electronic cigarettes is likely to be higher than the figures quoted as not all fire brigades provided figures. It also says some fires go unrecorded because they are handled by refuse collectors and waste management firms on their own.

Since 1st June 2025 it has been illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes, commonly known as disposable vapes.

Charlie Bush, head of large and complex claims at Zurich UK, said: “The rapid increase in vaping is cause for concern on many levels. While the long-term health implications of vaping remain unknown, our figures show the risk of fire and therefore damage and injury is a growing threat here and now.

“While some vape fires are minor, lithium-ion batteries are unpredictable and can cause particularly high temperatures in a fire. There are instances where blazes get out of control and people are seriously injured.

“Getting rid of disposable vapes is a positive step. However, illegal imports and a general lack of understanding about some of the fire risks are both issues which still need tackling.”