Urgent warning issued to anyone who plans to vape on Halloween or Bonfire Night

More than five million Brits are estimated to use vapes, yet many remain oblivious to the hidden dangers they pose.

Not only are they detrimental to your, but they also present other risks, with warnings issued for people to stay alert during and .

In the coming days, many of us will be attending firework-related events. However, despite the joy of celebrating these festivities, experts caution that vapers could pose a fire safety hazard due to the highly flammable nature of vape components when exposed to flames.

There's been an uptick in counterfeit or defective vaping products, which can particularly pose a fire risk. To help e-cigarette users take appropriate precautions this Bonfire Night, David Phillips, from , has outlined six ways to stay safe from fire hazards.

If you want to ensure the safety of yourself and your family during the celebrations, it's crucial to adhere to these simple guidelines. Always keep your vape close to prevent accidental fires.

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Store it safely

In situations near fire, it's advised to store your vape in a protective, fireproof case. Avoid keeping the vape in the same pocket as keys, coins or other metallic items, which could trigger a short circuit.

Whenever possible, try to keep it in your jacket's inner pocket, away from direct heat.

Avoid exposed flames

The heat from fire, fireworks or sparklers could inadvertently set vapes alight, particularly those with lithium-ion batteries. Subjecting a vape to high temperatures can also cause the battery to overheat or malfunction.

It's advisable to handle your vape separately and never leave it near a heat source where it could ignite from hot embers.

Make sure it's in good condition

Now is an opportune time to check if your vape is in good condition or is counterfeit. Examine your device for any visible damage, especially to the battery or charging port.

If it is damaged, refrain from bringing the vape close to heat sources, as it could heighten the risk of causing a fire.

Batteries recommended by the manufacturer are best to use. Steer clear of using cheap, unregulated batteries, which carry a higher risk of malfunction due to their propensity to overheat and short circuit because of poor quality control.

Counterfeit vapes have also been notorious for batteries exploding so it's crucial to inspect the vape for misspelled branding, missing safety labels, unusually low prices or unfamiliar packaging.

Check for leaks

Ensure that your vape isn't leaking e-liquid. These liquids evaporate easily and can ignite if they come into contact with a heat source or open flame.

Charge it fully

Make sure your vape is fully charged beforehand. This is so that you can avoid charging your device at the bonfire or in your car, as these types of portable chargers in cold or wet conditions can lead to electrical issues, posing a higher risk of flammability.

To avoid overheating or battery damage, switch off your vape as soon as it's fully charged.

Dispose of it correctly

Disposable vapes are widely used but are often disposed of incorrectly. Keep them away from bonfires or open flames, as the lithium-ion battery can explode in intense heat.

Instead, disassemble the vape to separate non-plastic waste, remove residue, and recycle each component. Avoid throwing it in a regular waste bin.

The issue has been widely discussed online, with a video by lawyer @_tigertalks warning that vapes can "literally explode", albeit rarely.

In the video, he explains: "It happens because of faulty lithium ion batteries that are contained in every one of these products. Lithium iron batteries are made up of combustible chemicals, called irons, seperated by a thin porus film between the positive and negative electrode.

"If defective, this film separating the chemicals might fail, allowing the chemicals to combine too quickly, and the rapid combination of chemicals causes heat, which builds pressure, which causes fires and explosions."

Vapes can explode due to user ignorance about batteries, improper storage, sunlight exposure, or a poorly fitting charger - all of which can cause overheating.