Thousands Of Vape Pens Up In Smoke In Southington: FD

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A vehicle fire on Tuesday may have snarled traffic a bit on Interstate 691 in Southington.

But, according to local fire officials and a Southington-based environmental contractor, more than just a vehicle went up in smoke — so did a whole lot of nicotine.

That's because the van that was burned to a crisp had thousands upon thousands of vape pens inside of it to be sold.

Vape pens are a smoking alternative where heated fluids laced with nicotine are inhaled and the vapor — which appears smoke-like — is inhaled and exhaled.

They are especially popular with younger generations, who are becoming addicted to nicotine via vaping as opposed to smoking.

Tuesday, the vehicle fire was first reported at 11:18 a.m. on I-691 east between exits 5 and 3 in Southington.

The incident eventually backed up traffic 2.2 miles on the highway and it wasn't cleared until after 1 p.m. that day.

According to the Southington Fire Department and Southington-based Environmental Services Inc., more than just a vehicle was torched.

According to Environmental Services, which was called in by the SFD to help with the clean-up, more than 2,000 vape pens were in the vehicle and all were burned and destroyed.

No injuries were reported in the Tuesday incident, but there might be a slight spike in nicotine withdrawal symptons in the area.

"All of the waste is being removed and will be disposed of properly," wrote Environmental Services via social media.

To see photos of the incident posted by the Southington Fire Department and Environmental Services Inc., click on this link.

From July 18: 'Vehicle Fire Cleared In Southington: UPDATE'