A woman suffered burns over about 20% of her body after a vape device exploded in her backpack at a Yucaipa Rite Aid store on Tuesday, officials said.
The incident unfolded about 6 p.m. at the store, 34420 Yucaipa Boulevard, Calfire Battalion Chief Josh Janssen said.
“We received multiple reports of a female on fire in a local Rite Aid,” he said. “While responding to the incident, we received updated information that the fire was caused by a vape pen that had exploded inside the female’s backpack.”
Firefighters found the woman suffering from first- and second-degree burns on her back, covering about 20 percent of her body, he said.
The woman was taken to a burn center for treatment.
Images from the scene showed a backpack with a hole burned through it, as well as several pieces of charred clothing.
No further details were available.
