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This shocking picture was taken after an e-cigarette exploded while on charge, causing a fire which left a woman in hospital.

Firefighters believe the blaze, in Barking, East London, started after an incorrect charger was used and the device burst into flames.

More than 20 firefighters rescued the woman from the ground-floor flat on Saturday.

She was suffering from smoke inhalation and shock and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

It is the third time in as many weeks that an e-cigarette has exploded.

Last week we showed a shocking video of an e-cig setting fire to a barmaid at a busy pub.

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And on Monday, gran Jean Booth was recovering from a hip operation in hospital when it is believed her electronic cigarette ignited her bedside oxygen supply.

The 65-year-old from Stockport suffered serious burns to her face and hand.

Now London Fire Brigade bosses have warned about the safety of the devices and want users to ensure they use the correct chargers.

Charlie Pugsley, from the fire investigation team, said: "People assume e-cigarettes are much safer than ordinary cigarettes, and in most cases they are.

"The danger is that people sometimes use incorrect chargers, which runs the risk of over-charging, which can potentially have explosive results.

"We are calling on e-cig retailers to ensure they are selling the correct chargers for the cigarettes.

"As with all rechargeable electrical equipment, it's vitally important that people use the correct type of charger for their e-cigs to prevent fires, which can be serious and could even result in death."

(Image: PA)

The brigade said people should never leave items such as e-cigarettes on charge overnight or when they are sleeping.

They also highlighted safety concerns over people lighting cigarettes when using oxygen cylinders for lung conditions.

Users should also avoid smoking or using naked flames near oxygen equipment as cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

Smokers are increasingly turning to e-cigarettes to beat the habit, with the market for the smoking aids reaching an estimated £193 million last year, according to analyst Mintel.

Although tobacco-free, the devices do provide a hit of nicotine, leading some health experts to warn that they reinforce the behaviour of smoking, making it harder to give up in the long term.