The UK Vaping Industry Association has written to fire authorities across the UK to reassure them that vape retailers are being advised on the immediate steps they should take to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place at their premises.
The letters follow the destruction caused by the recent fire in Glasgow, which has been confirmed as having started in a retail outlet selling vapes amongst other things.
The UKVIA has also welcomed the opportunity to engage with fire services and relevant authorities to identify any lessons that can be learned from this incident to ensure such an event does not happen again.
Following the fire on Union Street in Glasgow, UKVIA Director General John Dunne said, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Glasgow and we commend the emergency services for their response.
“This is an isolated incident and, while the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, even one case like this is one too many.
“While we await the findings of the full investigation, we will be proactively engaging with the fire service and relevant authorities to understand what lessons can be learned to help ensure the highest possible safety standards across vape retailers.
“We are also advising all our members to check their fire risk assessments and to get in touch with their local fire authorities to seek any further guidance.
“Vaping has played an instrumental role in helping millions of adults across the UK quit smoking – which still claims hundreds of lives every day – and responsible retailers play a vital role in keeping these products accessible for adults looking to make the switch.
“The UKVIA has long advocated for a robust, fit-for-purpose licensing scheme for vape retailers, including provisions to ensure the highest possible safety and compliance standards, which is now being considered as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”
Earlier this week, a 175-year-old listed building in Glasgow burned down as a result of a fire which started in a vape shop.
It soon emerged the blaze emerged from the store called 'Junaid Retail', trading as 'Scot's World', and was noted as having occupied it since August 2024.
However no payment for business rates has ever been made by the company, and the account was therefore transferred to the council's debt recovery partner.
The address was also not registered on the Scottish Government's Register of Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Product Retailers.
Illegal vapes are unregulated and untested. They could contain dangerous levels of lead and nickel and cause health problems. Concerns have also been raised about their availability to children.
Illegal vapes can also be a fire risk, according to the Greater Manchester Fire Service.
if they are not handled properly or regulated, they can catch fire because they are a high-energy type of battery. When alight, they 'burn hotter and faster than conventional fires', according to the British Safety Council, which may explain why the Glasgow fire seemed so uncontrollable.
Waste management company Biffa reported 180 fires between June and October last year, most of which they believed to have originated from vapes.