Vape warning after fire destroys bedroom

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze in Aldwick

A warning about the risks of rechargeable vapes has been issued after a bedroom was destroyed in a fire in West Sussex.

Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze in South Avenue, Aldwick, on Thursday morning.

Firefighters said a vape, found in a first-floor bedroom, was believed to have been the cause.

Duncan Warwood, watch commander at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Rechargeable devices such as e-cigarettes and vapes contain lithium-ion batteries which can start a fire."

A vape found in a bedroom is believed to have been the cause of the fire

Mr Warwood has urged people to only buy vape products and chargers from reputable retailers.

Station manager Darren Wickings added: "Lithium-ion batteries are safe during normal use but present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged.

"Charge batteries and devices on a flat, solid and stable surface. Don't leave them charging while unattended or overnight and always unplug the charger when they are fully charged."