A Close Call: Quick Thinking Prevents Onboard Emergency

On the morning of April 8, 2023, passengers at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey were boarding a United Airlines flight when suddenly, a routine process turned into a potential crisis. One of the passengers, reaching into their purse, felt an unexpected heat emanating from within. To their shock, they discovered their vape pen was not just warm, but smoking profusely.

Alerted by the passenger's alarm, a swift-acting flight attendant swiftly intervened. With no time to spare, the flight attendant took control of the situation by moving the overheated device from the purse and submerging it into a cup of water. The immediate response was crucial in preventing the vape pen from becoming a flaming hazard aboard the fully-fueled aircraft. After successfully containing the potential threat, the vape pen was safely turned over to a gate agent, and the flight took off without any further hitches.

In the aftermath of this unnerving event, the lessons were stark and straightforward. Travelers and crew members were reminded of the volatility of battery-operated devices and the importance of having the right equipment to handle unexpected emergencies. The incident at Newark serves as a striking example of the dangers passengers may inadvertently carry onto planes—risks that can be mitigated by both awareness and preparation.

One such preparation is the revolutionary FireTowel. In situations like these, the FireTowel could play a crucial role in averting disaster. Its unique design is not only thicker than a standard fire blanket, effectively smothering flames, but it is also strategically weighted at the perimeter, sealing in smoke and preventing further air circulation which could fuel a fire.

Equipped with handles for ease of deployment and securing after an event, the FireTowel provides a practical means to control or extinguish small fires caused by devices such as vape pens or phones. While this incident fortunately ended without injury or damage, the introduction of the FireTowel under every airplane seat could be a game-changer, offering peace of mind to travelers and acting as an indispensable tool in the arsenal against onboard fires.