A family of seven had a lucky escape after an electrical fire broke out inside their home in Coventry. It is understood to have been caused by charging an everyday item (rechargeable vape). The fire broke out in the middle of the night whilst the family of seven were asleep. Around 13 firefighters rushed to the family’s address in Newcombe Road, Coventry, at around 3:05 am on Tuesday (July 23rd).
The fire broke out in a converted loft space. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze in the bedroom and had the fire extinguished by 3:30 am.
However, much of the property was heavily smoke-logged. West Midlands Fire Service said the family will likely need to be rehomed.
Fire investigators believe the blaze was caused by the lithium-ion battery of a vape – which was being charged. The fire service, issuing a warning yesterday, urged residents to “take care” when charging vapes and other electrical devices.
Devices should never be changed on soft pillows or on beds, warned the fire service. They should also be unplugged once fully charged.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: “At 3:05 am, in the early hours of July 23rd, we responded to a fire in a mid-terraced house in Newcombe Road, Coventry. Two fire engines and a 4×4 brigade response vehicle attended, crewed by a total of 13 firefighters from Coventry and Canley fire stations.
“The fire is believed to have been caused by the lithium-ion battery of a vape, which was being charged. We are asking people who charge vapes and other electrical devices at home to take extra care, to avoid any similar incidents.”
