The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has contacted the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) following the blaze that destroyed an historic Glasgow building last week.

The 8th March blaze, which broke out at around 3.45pm at the Union Corner site, destroyed a four-storey B-listed Victorian building which had stood since 1851. It is believed the fire started in a shop on Union Street that sold vapes.

The incident caused widespread disruption in the surrounding area, with Glasgow Central Station, located next to the site, closed in the immediate aftermath of the fire. 

In response to the incident, the UKVIA has written to the NFCC to ensure the Trade Association is “doing everything possible” to advise its members on any “immediate steps” they need to take to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place at their retail premises.

The letter has also been circulated to the Fire Standards Board, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

UKVIA response 

According to UKVIA director general John Dunne, the organisation is already aware of retail members having sent circulars to their stores to reiterate fire and lithium battery-related safety measures.

He said: “We are also working with the British Government on the introduction of a mandatory retail licensing scheme, proposed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently before Parliament. This goes beyond the Scottish registration scheme. We believe it could provide an effective mechanism for supporting robust compliance with fire safety requirements in vape retail stores across the UK in the future.”

Once the cause of the fire has been established, the UKVIA has said it would welcome the opportunity to engage with Fire and Rescue Services and relevant authorities to identify the lessons that can be learned from the fire. 

Following the Glasgow incident, the association is advising all members to review their fire risk assessments and contact their local Fire and Rescue Authorities if further guidance is required.

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