Dinner Lady spokesperson says UK factory fire will not affect supply

According to the fire department, the blaze that severely damaged a vaping factory in Blackburn was caused by a faulty light.

In September last year, when a fire broke out at Vape Dinner Lady’s facility in the Shadsworth Business Park, a huge plume of smoke could be seen across the town.

About 50 firefighters and specialist units from across the county took part in the response, and it took as long as three days for the fire to be fully brought under control.

Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly throughout the warehouse, while security staff at the affected factory were directing people away and telling them to keep clear of the parking area.

Now, the suspected cause of the fire has been disclosed at a meeting of the county fire authority.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Jon Charters, Director of Service Delivery for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said in a report: “Ten fire engines from fire stations across Lancashire were mobilized to a fire at Vape Dinner Lady Ltd on Wilkinson Road, Shadsworth Business Park, Blackburn.

“The fire involved a large warehouse measuring approximately 58 metres by 25 metres, containing two floors.

“Firefighters used several hose reels, an aerial ladder platform, and a water tower to control the blaze.

“Due to the significant resources required at the scene, multiple roads were closed. A hose-laying vehicle and command unit also supported the incident.

“Fire crews remained at the scene for three days to carry out damping-down operations and investigate the cause of the fire.

“The final outcome was recorded as accidental, caused by a defective light inside the warehouse.”

A spokesperson said at the time: “Following the fire at Dinner Lady’s UK vaping manufacturing facility, we would like to reassure our customers that our business operations continue as normal.

“Most importantly, we can report that no one was injured in the fire and all of our team members are safe and well, thanks to our headquarters team and the local fire and emergency response crews.

“As one of the world’s leading vaping brands, Dinner Lady has an established network of manufacturing facilities across multiple international hubs, operating continuously to support our UK factory.”