VAPES are starting a file quantity of fires in prisons, with 80 per cent brought about by e-cigs.
There have been 2,287 cell fires in 2023 — up 60 for every cent on the year just before and the most for six several years.
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There were being only 777 prison mobile blazes in 2016, which had risen to 1,410 in 2022.
HMP Lowdham Grange, Notts, experienced the most last 12 months with 126.
Mark Icke, of the Jail Governors’ Affiliation, blamed overcrowding for vape fires.
Ministry of Justice numbers exhibit the prison estate is at this time at 98 for each cent potential.
Mr Icke mentioned: “Prisoners have a lot of time in their cells these times to acquire issues aside.
“They use vapes as a route of creating disturbance because they are pissed off by overcrowding.
“E-cigarettes are also tampered with and we have viewed instances of inmates making use of them to smoke illicit substances.
“So some of the fires can be accidental.”
Justice minister Edward Argar, who uncovered the figures, explained to Parliament that to tackle the issue, the Govt is introducing ignition-free of charge e-cigs for inmates by the end of this 12 months and the commencing of up coming.
But it is understood the strategy is in the early stages.
The Jail Provider said: “The greater part of cell fires are small and promptly dealt with by staff.
“Prisoners who are identified to have started a fire intentionally experience even more punishment which includes prison costs.”
