Vape explosion triggers major fire across four terraced houses

The blaze began around 1pm when a vape device—reportedly being charged on a bed—began emitting smoke.

Three people were hospitalized after an exploding vape pen triggered a massive fire that tore through four terraced homes in Gainsboough, Lincolnshire, on Friday.

According to firefighters, the blaze began around 1pm when a vape device—reportedly being charged on a bed—began emitting smoke. “One of the occupants removed the vape from charge, but it exploded seconds later,” relatives said. The fire spread rapidly, causing “significant damage” to three houses and smoke damage to a fourth.

Cherrie Hall, who rushed to the scene after a call from her ex-partner, said: “I had a phone call asking if we could check his mum’s house… we saw all the fire engines and the firemen, roofs caved in.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s Helen Tooley warned: “Please use the proper chargers… unplug it if you’re not in the room.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support affected families. One victim’s home was destroyed, and their pets suffered smoke inhalation.

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