Florida Woman Says Vape Sparked Fire That Burned Her Car to the Ground While She Was Driving
FLORIDA — A Florida woman says she was left stranded on the side of the road after her vape overheated, sparked a fire, and burned her entire car to the ground, a terrifying incident she documented and shared on social media.
Viral Video Shows Car Fully Engulfed in Flames
In a video posted online, the woman is seen standing safely away from her vehicle as flames completely consume the car, leaving nothing salvageable behind. Trying to keep a sense of humor during the ordeal, she joked, “I’m not coming into work today,” before later confirming the car was a total loss.
The video quickly gained attention on TikTok, where viewers expressed shock that a vape could cause such destruction.
Despite the frightening experience, the woman later admitted in follow-up posts that she continued vaping and even purchased another device shortly after the incident.
Vape Left Charging Led to Dangerous Overheating
After thousands of people questioned how a vape could ignite a vehicle fire, the woman posted a detailed explanation. She said she had a Raz-brand electronic vape plugged in and charging on her center console while she was driving.
According to her account, the vape had been charging for about an hour. When she tried to pick it up, it was so hot she instinctively tossed it, without stopping to locate where it landed inside the car.
Moments later, she noticed smoke coming from the passenger-side floorboard. Within seconds, flames erupted.
Realizing the danger, she pulled over, escaped the vehicle, and called 911. The fire spread rapidly, ultimately destroying the car entirely.
@kitetownsara23 It was an accident…
Woman Escaped Safely, Car Was Total Loss
Authorities responded to the scene, but the fire had already consumed most of the vehicle. The woman said she was grateful she managed to get out unharmed and recover her important personal belongings before the fire intensified.
There were no reported injuries.
Online Reactions Range From Shock to Warnings
The incident sparked intense discussion online, especially among vape users.
“A VAPE DID THAT?! I need to quit these things,” one commenter wrote.
“And this is 100 million reasons why I need to stop vaping,” another added.
Some commenters expressed concern that publicly admitting the cause could affect insurance coverage, warning that insurers might attempt to deny claims. Others — including people claiming insurance industry experience — argued the fire would likely be covered under comprehensive insurance, since it was sudden and accidental.
Others Blame Charging Habits
Several viewers placed blame on the charging behavior rather than the device itself. Many pointed out that charging a vape for an hour is excessive and increases the risk of battery failure.
“I would never charge mine that long,” one user commented, while another admitted the video made them rethink charging a vape overnight near their bed.
Some viewers said they planned to avoid the vape brand entirely, while others said the incident served as a wake-up call about lithium battery safety.
A Cautionary Reminder About Battery Risks
While vape-related fires are relatively rare, experts warn that lithium-ion batteries can overheat or ignite if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to high temperatures — especially inside vehicles.
The woman’s story, though shared with humor, highlights how quickly small electronic devices can become dangerous under the wrong conditions.
If you’ve experienced a similar incident or have thoughts on battery safety in vehicles, share your perspective and stay informed with more trending safety stories at CabarrusWeekly.com.
