Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a house fire on Pinglestone Close in West Drayton.
The loft of a semi-detached house was destroyed by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the failure of a lithium battery for a vape.
The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of four calls to the fire at 1923 and mobilised crews from Heathrow, Feltham, Wembley and Heston fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 2010.
Vaping and e-cigarette top safety tips
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Buy e-cigarette devices from reputable retailers. Don’t buy counterfeit goods. Fire risks around vaping often come from counterfeit or faulty products.
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Follow the instructions for use carefully and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.
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Always make sure that e-liquids are out of reach of children and pets.
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Never use vapes or e-cigarettes close to medical oxygen or where emollient creams or airflow mattresses are being used.
Batteries and charging
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Only use the chargers that came with the device.
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Never leave e-cigarettes charging unattended or on overnight.
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Don’t leave items continuously on charge (after the charge cycle is complete).
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Do not cover batteries that are on charge, in case of overheating.
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Avoid storing, using, or charging batteries in extremes of high or low temperatures.
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Protect batteries against being damaged, crushed or punctured and don’t immerse in water.
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Never let your battery come into contact with metal items such as coins or keys in a pocket or bag, as this can cause a short circuit and explosion.