FOI Request 2297

Subject: Vape-Related Fire Incidents at Disposal Sites

Status: Complete

Date received: February 2026

Question Asked:

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am writing to request information held by your Fire and Rescue Service relating to incidents of fire attended by your service at waste disposal or recycling facilities, where the reported or suspected ignition source was the improper disposal of vaping devices (e.g. vapes or e-cigarettes containing lithium-ion batteries).

Please provide the following information for the period 1 January 2021 to the most recent date available:

1. The total number of confirmed or suspected vape-related fire incidents attended by your service at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and any other waste disposal, recycling, or waste transfer facilities

2. A year-by-year breakdown of the above.

For clarity:

- “Vape” includes disposable and rechargeable e-cigarette devices, whether sold legally or otherwise, that contain lithium-ion batteries.

- “Vape-related fire incidents” include confirmed fires and incidents where a fire or ignition was suspected to have been caused by a vape or its battery during or following disposal.

Our Response:

Currently the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Incident Recording System (IRS) has insufficient facilities for the comprehensive recording, and subsequent analysis, of the incidents you have requested. Therefore, due to the specific information asked for, CFRS cannot provide the data requested.

Outcome: Data Not Held

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO