Lithium-ion battery fires jump 162% in Toronto over 2 years, city says

The number of fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries in Toronto has more than doubled in the span of two years, the city says.

From 2022 to 2024, the number of fires jumped 162 per cent, from 29 to 76, according to a city news release Monday.

So far this year, Toronto Fire has responded to 43 fires, the city says.

"We're seeing a concerning rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which are preventable," said Fire Chief Jim Jessop in the release.

The batteries are commonly found in e-bikes, smartphones, laptops and many other electronic devices. When used correctly, lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, the city release says.

But the city is reminding people that modifying or tampering with these batteries can be dangerous, saying it's a common cause of many recent fires. 

Some fires 'almost impossible to put out'

Additionally, battery overcharging can cause overheating, sometimes leading to a process called thermal runaway, said Marla Friebe, deputy fire chief of community risk reduction.

"When these batteries go into thermal runaway, they are almost impossible to put out," Friebe said firefighters have to keep the fire from spreading by cooling it while they wait for the battery to self-extinguish.

Friebe says the Toronto Fire Service would like to see more regulation and is asking people to refrain from purchasing devices that contain lithium-ion batteries online or second-hand, particularly bigger devices like e-bikes. 

The reminder comes as Toronto Fire kick-starts its second annual campaign aimed at educating people on the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. 

There are a few things users can do to reduce the risk of a fire, the city says, aside from not tinkering with the batteries.

People should only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers and keep them in sight while they charge, the city says. Should users notice anything out of the ordinary with a battery — strange odours, discolouration, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises — the city says they should stop using it and contact the manufacturer.

Old or damaged lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of at city drop-off depots, the city says.