FLAMES ripped through a historic Naval barracks after a sailor’s vape exploded.
The e-cig was incorrectly disposed of and a fire quickly spread at the Navy’s largest training base.
Alarms blared at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, Hants, as everyone in the Watson Hall block was evacuated but no injuries were reported.
A source said: “It was chaos — everyone is still in shock at how something like this has happened. Everyone’s a bit shaken up and in amazement at how a vape nearly burnt down the digs.”
Pictures showed the charred ground floor common room, which connects two blocks at the base.
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But the Navy described it as an “isolated and minor fire” and firefighters said they had dealt with it and left the scene within 50 minutes.
Sailors will stay in temporary accommodation while repairs are made.
The Royal Navy said: “There are no reported injuries and we take the health and safety of our personnel seriously.”
The base, commissioned in 1939, is named after Lord Collingwood, a naval officer partner of Lord Nelson.