Lithium ion battery fire jumps 162% in Toronto in 2 years, the city says

The city says that the number of fire from the lithium-ion battery in Toronto has exceeded double over a period of two years.

From 2022 to 2024, according to City News release on Monday, the number of fire increased from 29 to 76 percent.

So far this year, Toronto Fire has responded to 43 fire, saying the city.

“We are seeing an increase in the fire caused by the lithium-ion battery, many of which are to be stopped,” said in the release by Fire Chief Jim Jessop.

The batteries are usually found in e-bikes, smartphones, laptops and many other electronic devices. When used correctly, the lithium-ion battery is generally safe, calling the city’s release.

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

Some fire ‘almost impossible to keep out’

Additionally, the battery can cause overcharging overheating, sometimes the deputy fire chief of the Marla Frebey, a decrease in community risk, leading to a process called thermal runway.

“When these batteries go to the thermal runway, it is almost impossible to keep them out,” the firefighters have to stop the fire and stop spreading, while they wait for the self-excess of the battery.

Frybe says that Toronto Fire Service would like to see more regulation and is asking people to avoid purchasing devices that have lithium-ion batteries online or second-hand, especially large devices such as e-backs.

The reminder comes in the form of Toronto Fire, which starts its second annual campaign, aimed at educating people at the risks related to the lithium-ion battery.

There are some things that users can reduce the risk of fire, the city says, separate from not tampering with the battery.

People should use only certified, manufacturer-oriented batteries and charger and keep them in sight while charging, the city says. Users should notice anything out of ordinary with the battery – strange smell, disintegration, excessive heat, change in size, leak or odd noise – the city says they should stop using it and contact the manufacturer.

Chronic or damaged lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of City drop-off depot, The city says.