Lithium-ion battery fires are rising across Canadian cities, prompting fire chiefs to push for stronger federal safety rules and tighter oversight.
Toronto has recorded 80 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries so far this year. The incidents have also caused 14 injuries and two deaths, according to Toronto Fire Platoon Chief Peter Rappos last week after another fire. Three battery-related fires were reported in Toronto during the past week alone.
Additionally, officials have linked many incidents to electric bikes, e-scooters and other rechargeable devices used in homes and on city streets. Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop has raised serious concerns about unsafe handling and cheap, unregulated batteries entering the Canadian consumer market. Consumers can buy batteries online without knowing whether recognized organizations have tested them for safety.
Meanwhile, firefighters found 10 additional e-bikes and other micromobility devices inside one apartment after a downtown Toronto fire this week. The discovery added to concerns about residents storing and charging multiple high-capacity batteries in small living spaces.
Fire departments elsewhere are reporting similar problems, with Alberta and Ontario recording recent fires involving lithium-powered transportation devices. Calgary recorded three lithium-ion battery fires within a 24-hour period last week. Two involved e-scooters that overheated while charging.
Furthermore, Calgary has already recorded more lithium-ion battery fires this year than it did throughout last year.
Damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries can enter a process called thermal runaway. During that process, a battery rapidly generates heat and can ignite nearby cells. Consequently, a small battery failure can develop into an intense fire within seconds.
Calgary Fire Department public information officer Alex Kwan said compromised batteries can accelerate and spread flames extremely quickly.
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A future proposal could establish new safety requirements for batteries
Transport Canada regulates the labelling, transportation and handling of lithium batteries. However, Health Canada is considering additional rules governing lithium-ion batteries sold as consumer products. The federal health agency recently completed public consultations on proposed new safety requirements.
In addition, Health Canada said respondents broadly supported mandatory safety standards for lithium-ion batteries, while officials continue reviewing feedback from the consultation. A future proposal could establish new requirements for batteries sold across Canada.
Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal oversees provincial fire safety codes.
Jessop wants both federal officials and Ontario’s fire marshal involved in developing stronger rules, including potential amendments to Ontario’s fire code. Restrictions have already been imposed in Toronto in response to earlier incidents.
A lithium battery on an e-bike caused a fire aboard a Toronto subway train in December 2023. Subsequently, the Toronto Transit Commission banned e-bikes from stations, buses, streetcars and subways during winter months. Officials believe cold temperatures can make damaged or poorly maintained batteries more dangerous.
However, Jessop argues that individual bans and municipal bylaws cannot adequately address a national consumer-safety problem. He describes lithium-ion batteries as Toronto’s fastest-evolving major fire safety threat.
Health Canada has not yet announced whether it will introduce mandatory national standards. Meanwhile, fire officials continue urging consumers to use approved batteries, compatible chargers and equipment from reputable manufacturers. They warn users to stop using batteries that show signs of swelling, damage, overheating or unusual smells.
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