Vape believed to be cause of blaze in Wiltshire recycling centre
A disposable vape is suspected to have caused a fire at a Wiltshire recycling centre on the first anniversary of a single-use vape ban.Summary
A fire at a recycling centre in Warminster, Wiltshire, on June 1, 2026, is believed to have been caused by a disposable vape. The incident occurred exactly one year after single-use vapes were banned. Fire crews from Warminster and Westbury responded to the blaze, which sent thick black smoke over the town. Wiltshire Council confirmed the skip fire was caused by a "small battery or vape." The Local Government Association (LGA) reported that while vape disposal has decreased since the ban, six million units are still discarded annually. The LGA urged the government to close loopholes, educate the public on fire risks, and enforce stricter regulations on manufacturers. Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE highlighted the financial burden on councils and residents. Cllr Paul Sample of Wiltshire Council emphasized the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in vapes and advised residents to use small electricals collections or designated battery recycling points to dispose of vapes safely.
(Source：Swindon Advertiser)
