ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

A safety warning was issued today after an exploding electronic cigarette caused major damage to a flat in Barking.

Four fire engines were called to the property after the device apparently overheated as a result of an incompatible charger being used.

A woman resident suffered smoke inhalation and shock and was taken to hospital after being treated by London Ambulance Service.

Today the London Fire Brigade issued an alert in response to what is believed to be the first case of an e-cigarette exploding in the capital.

It follows an incident in Manchester where a woman pensioner reportedly suffered burns when using an e-cigarette while attached to an oxygen cylinder in hospital.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were called to the ground-floor flat at Saint Ann’s, Barking, on Saturday afternoon.

Related stories





Crews took about 40 minutes to get the blaze under control. The woman is not believed to have been using the device at the time.

Charlie Pugsley, from the London Fire Brigade 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.”

The London Fire Brigade also said e-cigarettes should never be left charging overnight or when residents are sleeping.

Advice was also given to keep them away from naked flames and for patients with lung conditions to keep them clear of oxygen cylinders.

Electronic cigarettes have soared in popularity because they can be used by smokers to get around the ban on smoking indoors and can also assist people trying to quit smoking.

The battery-charged devices deliver a nicotine “hit” but without the harmful tar contained in conventional cigarettes.