‘Vape Pen’ Battery Sparks Fire at Sea-Tac
Sarah C. Thomas October 24, 2016
Firefighters were called immediately when baggage handlers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) noticed smoke rising up from a passenger bag belonging to a passenger aboard a United flight. It was determined that there was a vape battery was attached to a charger, and this, according to Komo news, was the actual cause of the fire.
The FAA prohibits the carrying of vape pens in checked baggage, and the usage of electronic cigarettes is not allowed aboard flights. The owner of the bag was escorted off the plane to identify it, while the flight, bound for Houston, was delayed.
The first modern e-cigarette was invented as recently as 2003. Many passengers do not realize that use of the “pen,” including the charging of it, is prohibited. The policy has led to some confusion since an e-cigarette or vape pen can be taken aboard as a carry-on – with the caveat that it must not charged during the flight.
Delta Airlines had their own vape induced emergency last year when an e-cigarette ignited in a passenger’s carry-on bag. Fortunately, the plane was still on the tarmac, and the fire was quickly extinguished. In April of 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation banned the use of e-cigarettes on commercial flights. The FAA is investigating the incident.
[Photo: VaporPlants]
