In Sheffield, there have been local concerns on the number of vape shops that contain lithium-ion batteries which can pose fire risk threats.
On March 20, Sheffield City Council held an environmental services and regulation policy committee whereby Josh Rowan asked through written questions the precautions the council are going to take to make sure a catastrophe doesn’t happen in Sheffield.
This comes after a huge blaze engulfed historical buildings on Union Street in Glasgow earlier this month which is believed to have started in a vape shop.
Josh Rowan said: “What is the committee going to do about the extremely high risk of vape shops situated in residential buildings?
“Peace Gardens from Town Hall sits the historic St Pauls Chambers. Below it are two vape shops, which contain countless lithium-ion batteries, noted to be a specific ignition risk by many fire services, and constitute a significant potential fire load with vape-related fires rising quickly in the UK.
“Is it we wait until we, Sheffield, have our own catastrophe, risking lives and architectural heritage?”
There are over 78 vape shops in Sheffield, many within residential buildings.
In response, Sheffield City Council said: “We do have a comprehensive programme to check compliance for tobacco and vape sales legislation and we have publicised some of multiagency interventions, seizures and prosecutions against non-compliance.
“In light of the recent fire we will discuss our visits with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue as to whether at this stage other checks should and could be made.”
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has warned that lithium-ion batteries in vapes can pose serious risk threats if damaged, overcharged or not disposed of correctly such as in general waste.
They further advise the public to check with local authorities for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area, as lithium-ion batteries in vapes can pose serious risk threats if damaged, overcharged or not disposed of correctly such as in general waste.