Lithium‑ion battery fires prompt safety alerts in Canadian cities

Toronto fire officials warned that lithium‑ion batteries caused two fires at the Ashwarren Road recycling facility, highlighting the growing frequency and intensity of such incidents across the city. Chief Jim Jessop cited thermal runaway as the cause and urged proper disposal and use of certified batteries.

On Vancouver Island, the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department responded to a home fire caused by a lithium‑ion remote‑control car battery that entered thermal runaway while charging. Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti warned residents to charge batteries outdoors, use approved chargers, and avoid low‑quality or tampered cells.

Both departments emphasized the risks of damaged or improperly charged lithium‑ion cells in devices such as e‑bikes, scooters, power tools, and consumer electronics, and provided guidelines for safe handling, storage, and disposal.