Safety warning after man is burned by overheating vape

A YOUNG man suffered serious burns after he fell asleep holding his vape which overheated and started a fire on his bed.

The fire service have now issued a warning following the incident in Ramsbottom.

They say the 21-yearold was holding his vape stick, which was charging at the time, as he slept.

It then overheated and melted onto his skin, while also setting his duvet alight.

The man woke up because of the heat and his parents raised the alarm with firefighters attending the scene on January 12.

Paramedics took him to Wythenshawe Hospital, which has a specialist burns unit.

His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

However, he suffered second degree burns to part of his face, scalp, ear, shoulder, arm and hand, as well as first degree burns to his torso.

Fire chiefs have issued a warning that people should always buy electrical products from reputable outlets and never to smoke in bed.

Paul Duggan, Head of Prevention at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said: “Faulty or substandard electrical equipment can lead to a significant risk of fire.

“We would urge people always to buy electrical products from a reputable and trusted dealer.

“The products they sell will meet the correct safety standards, whereas products bought cheaply online could pose a serious risk of fire or shock.

“We would also strongly urge people never to smoke in bed or when tired because of the risk of falling asleep and the smoking materials catching light to the bed, clothing or furniture.”