PEOPLE who got E-cigarettes on their Christmas list are being warned using incorrect chargers could explode the vaping device's rechargeable batteries.

It is estimated 2.1 million Britons are using them but West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has had eight incidents involving e-cigarettes this year.

Fire investigation officer, Sean Fearon said: "While this may seem like a relatively low number, there have been numerous other instances where the fire service has not been notified at the time so we believe the true scale of the issue is larger. The main problem is the rechargeable batteries exploding while on charge.

"This is due to people using incorrect chargers with the device. Battery capacities and charging voltages vary according to manufacturer so it is not a case of anyone will do."

When a battery overheats it can, and frequently does, explode causing red hot material to be ejected into a room. This burning material can travel up to two or three metres and can cause a fire to develop if it lands on anything combustible.

Mr Fearon added: “I would like to stress to the vaping community that we are not attempting to ban e-cigarettes. Consumers have a right to expect that electrical products brought into the home are safe to use and do not create a potential fire hazard. We are working with Trading Standards to ensure that products available on the UK market comply with all relevant legislation.

“However it’s important to note the majority of fires we have seen have been caused by the use of inappropriate chargers. No legislation is going to prevent a fire being caused by a consumer using a charger that is not correctly rated to their battery type.”