Technical Notes 2026, Issue 54 - Scottish Fire and Rescue Services Information - Glasgow Fire and Vape Shop Concerns

The purpose of this Technical Note is to provide information to Elected Members that has been shared by Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, regarding the recent fire in Glasgow city centre, and the associated concerns relating to vape retailers.

Further information is available to Elected Members from Group Commander David Moore by contacting him directly on David.Moore@firescotland.gov.uk 

Vape shops fall within the scope of general fire safety legislation, specifically the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Duty holders are required to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place and to maintain appropriate fire safety measures.

SFRS uses a risk-based approach to its Fire Safety Audit Programme. Vape shops—classed as general retail premises—are not routinely subject to scheduled audits, as they generally present lower life risk compared with higher risk premises such as care homes. However, SFRS will engage directly with a vape shop where:

• A fire safety complaint is received
• A fire has occurred, prompting a post fire audit, or
• Local conditions identify a need through risk based or thematic audit programmes.

This means that where emerging trends or concerns arise at local level, Local Senior Officer (LSO) areas retain the discretion to prioritise targeted inspections of specific premises types, including vape shops.

It may also be helpful to note that regulatory oversight of vape products themselves—such as age restricted sales, product standards, and the forthcoming ban on single use vapes—is led by Local Authority Trading Standards, not SFRS.

Lithium ion batteries present well recognised hazards when damaged, poorly manufactured, or incorrectly charged. These include rapid thermal runaway, toxic off gassing, explosive flame jets, and potential for re-ignition. These risks apply to many common consumer devices such as e bikes, laptops, phones and vapes.

SFRS continues to highlight these risks publicly and provides clear safety advice for retailers, workplaces, and households. This includes safe charging practices, recommended storage arrangements, and the importance of using manufacturer approved chargers and reputable products. Recycling and disposal of damaged or used vapes is also important, as lithium ion cells can ignite if crushed in waste streams.

SFRS is actively engaged in national and local prevention campaigns relating to lithium ion battery safety, including adult targeted advertising campaigns in 2025 and 2026, social media messaging, and collaborative work to raise awareness of safe disposal practices. A further video led campaign is currently being developed for rollout later this year.

At a local level, LSOs may undertake further engagement or targeted visits in response to public concern or emerging trends. This can include providing guidance to businesses on safe storage, charging and disposal of lithium ion products, and ensuring that fire risk assessments appropriately reflect the hazards of vaping devices and related stock.

Should any additional targeted activity around vape shops be required following the outcome of the ongoing investigation, this will be considered through our established risk based processes.

It is hoped the above provides assurance that SFRS remains vigilant to the risks posed by lithium ion batteries and that appropriate mechanisms already exist to support oversight, engagement, and enforcement where required. We remain committed to working closely with local authorities, including Trading Standards, and community partners to ensure that fire safety standards are maintained across all retail premises, including vape shops.