The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has contacted the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) following the major fire that destroyed a four-storey B-listed Victorian building on Glasgow’s Union Street.

The blaze broke out at around 3.45 pm on 8 March at the Union Corner site, where the building had stood since 1851. It is believed the fire started in a shop on Union Street that, among other things, sold vapes.

Glasgow City Council has confirmed that the “highly dangerous” remains of the structure will be demolished, with demolition work beginning on 13 March.

The incident caused significant disruption in the surrounding area. Glasgow Central Station, which is located next to the site, was closed in the immediate aftermath of the fire. Low-level platforms serving the Argyle line north of the River Clyde have since resumed operations.

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, written by UKVIA director general John Dunne, 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.

Although the precise cause of the fire has not yet been determined, the UKVIA is seeking to reinforce fire safety messaging among its members.

According to Dunne, the organisation is “already aware” of retail members having sent circulars to their stores immediately after the Glasgow blaze to reiterate fire and lithium battery-related safety measures.

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

Dunne also pointed to the association’s ongoing work with government on regulatory measures for vape retailers.

“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.”

The UKVIA has long advocated for a “robust and fit-for-purpose” licensing scheme for vape retailers, including provisions designed to ensure the highest possible safety and compliance standards.

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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