PHILLIPS COUNTY - The cause of a car fire in Phillipsburg Thursday morning is under investigation.

An exploding vape pen is believed responsible for the fire in a Chevy Cobalt that occurred near the middle school in the 600 Block of 7th Street, according to Deputy Charles Radabaugh.

The fire started in or near the driver's purse.&nbsp; She reportedly uses a vape pen, according to Radabaugh.

"The vape pen uses a rechargeable lithium battery and when a malfunction occurs, it can be catastrophic." In this case, the car is a total loss, according to Radabaugh.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were no injuries.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600366510079.png" alt="Photo courtesy Phillips County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Phillips County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY - The cause of a car fire in Phillipsburg Thursday morning is under investigation.An exploding vape pen is believed responsible for the fire in a Chevy Cobalt that occurred near the middle school in the 600 Block of 7th Street, according to Deputy Charles Radabaugh.The fire started in or near the driver's purse.&nbsp; She reportedly uses a vape pen, according to Radabaugh."The vape pen uses a rechargeable lithium battery and when a malfunction occurs, it can be catastrophic." In this case, the car is a total loss, according to Radabaugh.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were no injuries.

Sheriff: Exploding vape pen blamed for Kan. car fire