Another Toronto Blaze Linked to Lithium-Ion Batteries, Fire Chief Warns

Toronto’s fire chief is alerting the public to the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after they triggered another fire in Ontario’s capital.

Fire Chief Jim Jessop said the batteries, used to power smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and electric vehicles, were the cause of  recent fires at the city’s Ashwarren Road recycling facility.

“The frequency and intensity of LIB fires continue to increase across our city, along with the risk to the public and firefighters,” Jessop said in an X post this week.

The lithium-ion batteries caught fire through a destructive chain reaction called thermal runaway, Jessop said. This phenomenon takes place when the battery creates heat quicker than it can disperse, causing a surge in temperature that ignites the flammable electrolyte present within it.

Both Jessop and Toronto Fire Services posted photos of the three-alarm blaze on the afternoon of May 21. Neither post provided details on the circumstances of the fire, but the department confirmed no one was injured.

The chief’s warning comes just three months after he issued a similar message this winter in the wake of three lithium-ion battery related fires when his crews responded to three calls in a span of 24 hours.

“These fires burn hot, fast, and can spread rapidly,” he said in a Feb. 23 post. “Be aware of the potential risks, take them seriously, follow safety guidelines, and stay safe. It helps protect you and our first responders.”

Health Canada describes the batteries as a risk to first responders, particularly fire fighters.

“They face specific hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, which can become an unforeseen and dangerous secondary source of ignition in the event of an unrelated house fire, and heightened dangers when responding to incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires,” the health agency said in a post on its website.

“The intense heat and toxic fumes released during such fires pose significant threats to the safety of fire fighters, underscoring the broader public safety concerns linked to these batteries.”

Battery Safety

Improper charging and physical mistreatment are the main contributors that cause lithium-ion batteries to explode and ignite rapidly, according to a Toronto Fire Services tip sheet.

Here are some of tips from the fire department on how to safeguard your home or business from lithium-ion battery fires.

• Only use batteries and charging cords that have been specifically designed and authorized by the manufacturer for the device.
• Avoid charging a device beneath your pillow, on your bed, or on your couch.
• Do not overcharge devices and always unplug them when they reach a full charge of 100 percent.
• Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the proper charging and storage of devices.
• Do not place batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles.
• Keep lithium-ion batteries stored away from items that could ignite.
• Avoid crushing, bending or dropping a device or charger.
• Immediately stop using the battery if you detect any odour, device deformity, change in colour, excessive heat, leakage, or unusual sounds emanating from it.