Carroll County man suffers burns from exploding e-cigarette

A Maryland man was changing the batteries for an electronic cigarette when it exploded, causing burns to his chest, arms and face, according to a news release from the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

Michael Henry, of Carroll County, suffered burns to 18 percent of his body after the explosion occurred at his Sykesville residence around 8:22 p.m. on Sunday, the news release stated.

The e-cigarette exploded after Henry tried to place recently charged batteries inside the device, said Oliver Alkire, the senior deputy state fire marshal. Officials ruled the cause "accidental."

Winfield Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, and it took five minutes to control. 

RELATED:Farm house - in family for nearly 120 years - destroyed in North Codorus Township fire

Henry was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center, according to the news release.

Henry was in "good" condition as of Monday morning, according to a spokeswoman with the medical center.

First responders responded to "quite a few" e-cigarette explosions after they first came out, but those events slowed down as technology improved, Alkire said.

He advised those who use e-cigarettes to read manufacturing labels and ensure batteries are compatible with an e-cigarette, and vice versa. He also cautioned against interchanging charging cables with e-cigarettes.

"When you purchase those devices, make sure the devices are used correctly and according to manufacturing recommendations," he said.  

READ:Manheim Township house 'totaled' after New Year's Day fire