Lithium-ion battery fires rise in Canadian cities

Fire officials in Canada are warning of a rising trend in dangerous lithium-ion battery fires. In Toronto, fire services have responded to 97 such incidents since January, a significant increase compared to 71 fires in 2025 and 76 in 2024. This represents a more than threefold increase since 2022.

In Edmonton, a recent early-morning townhouse fire caused by a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery resulted in $470,000 in damages and displaced 11 residents. This marks the city's 20th lithium-ion battery fire this year, with cumulative local property damage from these incidents estimated at over $2,100,000.

Authorities note that these batteries, commonly found in smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and toys, can trigger intense fires that spread within seconds if damaged or improperly charged. Officials cite a lack of regulation and improper storage as contributing factors to the growing frequency of these incidents.