Lithium‑ion battery fires spark warnings in London and Toronto

A fourth fire this year broke out at the Hornsey Street Waste Transfer Station in Islington, north London, after damaged lithium‑ion batteries were improperly disposed of in household waste. Roughly 15 fire engines and 100 firefighters responded, causing at least £1 million in damage but no injuries. The North London Waste Authority warned residents to use dedicated recycling points for batteries, citing the risk to staff and taxpayers.

In Etobicoke, Toronto, a two‑alarm fire erupted in a city‑run shelter at 2180 Islington Avenue. Firefighters found burned lithium‑ion batteries in the origin unit, though the exact role of the batteries remains unclear. The building’s sprinkler system contained the blaze, and no one was injured. This incident follows several recent battery‑related fires in the city, prompting renewed safety concerns.