UKVIA urges fire safety checks after Glasgow blaze, writes to fire chiefs nationwide
March 18, 2026
Firefighters continue to damp down the remains of a fire at Central Station on March 09, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has written to fire authorities across the UK in the wake of the Glasgow Union Street blaze, urging closer engagement and immediate safety checks among vape retailers as investigations into the incident continue.
The trade body confirmed it has contacted key organisations including the National Fire Chiefs Council and multiple regional fire services, seeking guidance on any additional steps retailers should take to ensure robust fire safety measures are in place.
The move follows the major fire on 8 March, which destroyed part of a B-listed building near Glasgow Central Station after breaking out in a retail unit selling vapes among other products.
In a statement, UKVIA director general John Dunne said the association is taking a proactive approach while awaiting official findings.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Glasgow and we commend the emergency services for their response,” he said.
“This is an isolated incident and, while the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, even one case like this is one too many.
“While we await the findings of the full investigation, we will be proactively engaging with the fire service and relevant authorities to understand what lessons can be learned to help ensure the highest possible safety standards across vape retailers.”
Dunne added that the association is advising members to review their fire precautions immediately.
“We are also advising all our members to check their fire risk assessments and to get in touch with their local fire authorities to seek any further guidance,” he said.
In its formal letter to fire authorities, UKVIA stressed its willingness to collaborate nationally to prevent any recurrence, noting that while the Glasgow incident appears isolated, it underlines the importance of vigilance across the sector.
The association also pointed out that some retail members had already issued internal communications reinforcing fire and battery safety protocols in the immediate aftermath of the blaze.
Looking ahead, UKVIA said it wants to work with regulators and fire services to identify lessons once the cause is confirmed, and highlighted the potential role of tighter regulation in improving standards.
The organisation reiterated its support for a mandatory retail licensing scheme under the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, arguing that such a framework could strengthen compliance with safety requirements across vape stores.
“Vaping has played an instrumental role in helping millions of adults across the UK quit smoking… and responsible retailers play a vital role in keeping these products accessible,” Dunne said, adding that robust regulation would help ensure high safety standards are consistently maintained.
