**Major Blaze Rips Through Four Homes After Reported Vape Explosion in Lincolnshire**
A devastating fire swept through four terraced houses in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, on Friday afternoon, injuring three individuals and leaving multiple families homeless. The blaze, which residents believe was sparked by a vape device exploding while on charge, has prompted calls for greater caution around charging electronic devices.
The incident occurred at approximately 1pm on Grey Street, a residential area that is now reeling in the aftermath. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the fire quickly spread from the property where it is believed to have started to three neighbouring houses, causing widespread destruction.
Family members of those affected have spoken of their shock and distress. Cherrie Hall, who is related to the homeowner where the fire began, described the traumatic moment she arrived at the scene. “I received a phone call asking me to check on my ex’s mum’s house after he was told there had been a fire. As soon as we got there, we saw the fire engines and realised the extent of the damage — the roofs had caved in.”
According to the family, the cause of the fire was a vape left charging on a bed. The device reportedly began to smoke, and when a resident attempted to remove it, the vape is said to have exploded in their hand, igniting the mattress and quickly engulfing the room in flames.
Remarkably, paramedics happened to be at the property prior to the explosion due to a separate health concern involving the elderly homeowner, which allowed for a rapid response once the fire took hold. “Grandma is devastated, but also amazed by how much the community has rallied to support the families affected,” Hall added.
The fire service confirmed significant damage to the row of houses. Helen Tooley, Group Manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, gave a statement outlining the aftermath: “Three of the homes are currently uninhabitable, with severe damage to their roof spaces. A fourth home has suffered a substantial hole in the roof, and there is extensive smoke damage throughout.”
Authorities have urged the public to take extra care when charging electronic cigarettes and similar devices. “Always use official chargers, and never leave them charging unattended or in unsafe locations such as on beds. If you leave the room, unplug the device,” Tooley advised.
Many in the local community have responded with offers of support, ranging from temporary accommodation to donations of clothing, blankets and money for those who lost their belongings in the fire. A GoFundMe fundraising campaign has already been launched to help the affected families as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Despite the severity of the blaze and dramatic scenes that unfolded, the three people taken to hospital are not believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries. However, the psychological and material impact on those involved is expected to be longstanding.
Incidents like this highlight the potential dangers of emerging technology and electronic devices in the home, especially when charging practices are not closely monitored. Fire brigades and safety experts continue to warn of the risks associated with incorrectly charging or storing lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
As the clean-up operation continues and investigations are carried out, residents and authorities are rallying together to provide urgent relief and long-term support for families caught up in the fire. Updates on the fundraising effort and recovery will be ongoing as the community seeks to recover from a catastrophe that has upended so many lives.