AN EXPLODING vape set fire to four homes as three people were rushed to hospital in a horror blaze.
The fire ripped through the four terraced houses in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, on Friday afternoon.
SWNSAn exploding vape was the cause of the fire in Gainsborough[/caption]
SWNSThe fire left a number of homes uninhabitable[/caption]
Four homes have been left uninhabitable on Grey Street but nobody was injured, according to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
It is understood that the vape was being charged on the bed and had “set the house on fire”.
The vape started to emit smoke but when the resident removed it from the charge, it exploded in their hand.
Cherrie Hall, who is related to the owner of the house where the fire started, said she is “absolutely devastated”.
The owner is the grandmother of Cherrie’s grandchildren and was one of those taken to hospital.
Cherrie stated: “I had a phone call from my ex asking if we – me and my partner – could go check his mum’s house as he had messages from people mentioning a fire at his mum’s.
“So of course we drove straight round and saw all the fire engines and the firemen, roofs caved in.”
She added: “Luckily the paramedics were already at the house for a separate thing with grandma’s health when the vape exploded and set the house on fire.
“She’s absolutely devastated but is so in awe and amazed with the community and how much they’ve helped all families involved.”
A fundraiser has been set up to help the families affected by the Grey Street fire.
Locals rushed to support the families on social media offering accommodation, blankets and money to those who lost their homes.
Helen Tooley, group manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, told the BBC three of the houses were not habitable.
She said: “It’s [fire] gone through the roof spaces, unfortunately. So quite significant damage to those three houses.
“The fourth one, next to it, there is a hole in the roof, and there was extensive smoke damage as well in that one.”
She added: “If you are using vapes or any electronic equipment that needs charging, please use the proper chargers.
“Make sure it’s in a safe place and unplug it if you’re not in the room.”
The fire service has said an investigation will now take place to examine why the vape exploded.
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