The city of Toronto has reported a significant increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries over the past two years. According to a recent city news release, the number of battery-related fires has surged by 162% from 29 incidents in 2022 to 76 in 2024. As of the current year, Toronto Fire has already responded to 43 such fires.
Fire Chief Jim Jessop expressed concern over the rising trend of lithium-ion battery fires, emphasizing that many of these incidents are preventable. These batteries are commonly found in e-bikes, smartphones, laptops, and various electronic devices. While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when used correctly, the city warns against modifying or tampering with them, as this has been a frequent cause of recent fires.
Deputy Fire Chief of Community Risk Reduction, Marla Friebe, highlighted the dangers of battery overcharging, which can lead to overheating and potentially trigger thermal runaway, making the fires difficult to extinguish. Toronto Fire Service is advocating for more stringent regulations and urging the public to avoid purchasing devices containing lithium-ion batteries online or second-hand, especially larger devices like e-bikes.
In an effort to educate the public about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, Toronto Fire has launched its second annual campaign. The city advises users to only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, and to supervise them during charging. If any abnormalities are noticed in a battery such as strange odors, discoloration, excessive heat, shape deformation, leaking, or unusual sounds, users are advised to stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer.
Proper disposal of old or damaged lithium-ion batteries is recommended by the city, directing individuals to utilize city drop-off depots for safe disposal. These measures aim to reduce the risk of battery-related fires and promote safety within the community.
