Toronto • Fall 2025
Lithium‑Ion Battery Fires on the Rise in Homes
From e‑bikes & scooters to laptops, phones, and power tools, lithium‑ion batteries are everywhere — and fire incidents linked to them are rising. This Ontario‑focused guide explains the risk in plain language and shows residents, condo/apt boards and property managers what to do right now.
Quick stats (Toronto & NYC)
Toronto Fire Services reported a 38% year‑over‑year increase in lithium‑ion battery–related fires in 2024 vs. 2023 and continued public safety messaging in 2025. City news
TFS responded to 55 lithium‑ion battery fires in 2023 (up significantly from 2022). City backgrounder (PDF)
NYC reported 268 e‑mobility battery fires in 2023 (FDNY) and 18 deaths that year (Mayor’s Office). FDNY · NYC Mayor
Bottom line: the risk is real — and largely preventable with better charging, storage and disposal habits.
How these fires start (and why they spread fast)
Lithium‑ion cells can enter thermal runaway if they’re damaged, poorly manufactured, overcharged, exposed to heat, charged with the wrong equipment or failing at end‑of‑life. Once one cell vents hot gases, adjacent cells heat and ignite quickly. In enclosed spaces (closets, bedrooms, corridors), heat and smoke can become life‑threatening in minutes.
High‑risk situations we see most
1) Overnight charging in bedrooms
Charging while asleep removes your chance to intervene early and places batteries near combustibles (bedding, furniture). Avoid it.
2) Third‑party or mismatched chargers
Off‑brand or incompatible chargers can overcharge cells — a common failure path. Use the manufacturer’s charger and look for recognized Canadian certification marks (CSA, cUL, cETL). ESA marks
3) DIY battery mods or “hot‑rodding” packs
Adding cells, bypassing BMS, or “rebuilding” with cheap parts removes safety features and dramatically raises failure risk.
4) Charging in exit routes
Storing/charging e‑bikes in corridors, lobbies or stairwells can block egress and expose many people if a fire starts. Keep charging away from exits.
Safe charging checklist (home & suites)
Do
- Use the original charger or one specified by the manufacturer.
- Charge on a hard, non‑combustible surface (tile, metal), with airflow around the device.
- Stay nearby while charging; avoid overnight or “while you’re out” charging.
- Let batteries cool after use before charging; avoid very hot or very cold areas.
- Register for recall alerts and check your models periodically.
Don’t
- Don’t charge on beds, sofas, carpets or under pillows/blankets.
- Don’t modify packs or use unapproved replacement batteries.
- Don’t charge/store devices in exit routes (doors, hallways, stairwells).
- Don’t keep using a swollen/damaged battery — stop and arrange proper disposal.
Printable: One‑page charging safety checklist
- ✔ Manufacturer charger used; cable and plug undamaged
- ✔ Charging on non‑combustible surface; device visible & supervised
- ✔ Battery not hot/swollen/leaking; no unusual odours/sounds
- ✔ Not in bedrooms, exits, or on soft furnishings
- ✔ Device unplugged promptly when charging is complete
- ✔ Terminals taped & safely stored for any batteries awaiting disposal
Storage, damage & disposal in Toronto
Don’t store devices in hot cars or damp basements. For long storage, unplug at ~40–60% charge and check monthly. If a battery is overheating, leaking or smells “solventy,” move people away, keep doors closed to contain smoke if applicable, and call 9‑1‑1.
Notes for property managers & condo/apt boards
- Update the Fire Safety Plan (FSP): Include e‑mobility storage & charging rules, signage, supervised charging rooms, and damaged‑battery procedures. Align notices and drills.
- Post clear rules: No charging in corridors/stairwells; manufacturer chargers only; no DIY mods; report damaged batteries immediately. Use City posters in mailrooms and lobbies.
- Designated spaces: Consider sprinklered, ventilated, supervised charging rooms for e‑bikes/e‑scooters with daytime charging only.
- Documentation: Keep incident logs, maintenance records and recall bulletins with the FSP; brief security/concierge staff on actions.
FAQ
Is it safe to charge an e‑bike inside my apartment?
It’s safer to charge away from sleeping areas and exits, on a non‑combustible surface, with the manufacturer’s charger, while you’re awake and nearby. Never charge in corridors or stairwells. Follow the City’s lithium‑ion safety guidance and your building’s rules.
What are the signs a battery is failing?
Excess heat, swelling, strong solvent odour, popping/hissing, smoke, or a device that won’t charge or hold charge. If observed, stop using, move people away, and call 9‑1‑1 if there’s any smoke or fire.
How do I dispose of a damaged lithium‑ion battery in Toronto?
Tape the terminals or place the battery in a clear plastic bag, store it in a cool, dry area away from combustibles, and take it promptly to a Drop‑Off Depot or a Community Environment Day. For larger quantities, request pickup via 311 (“Toxic Taxi”).
Where can I check recalls?
Use Health Canada’s Recalls & Safety Alerts and search for your product name or “lithium‑ion battery”. Register your devices for recall emails.
Sources & further reading
- City of Toronto News Release (Jun 26, 2025): 38% YoY increase
- City of Toronto: “This is your warning” campaign (Jun 25, 2024)
- City of Toronto Micromobility Strategy Backgrounder (Apr 18, 2024) — 55 fires in 2023
- City of Toronto: Lithium‑ion Batteries — safety, certified chargers, disposal
- FDNY: Lithium‑ion Battery Safety — 268 fires (2023)
- NYC Mayor’s Office (Mar 1, 2025): 18 deaths in 2023; enforcement
- ESA: Recognized Canadian certification marks (CSA, cUL, cETL)
- Health Canada: Larger Lithium‑Ion Battery Systems (poster)
- Health Canada: Recalls & Safety Alerts portal
All links verified at publication. For building‑specific procedures, your Fire Safety Plan, AHJ directives and manufacturer instructions govern.
Want a lithium‑ion risk review for your building?
We help Toronto & GTA clients set safe charging locations, update Fire Safety Plans, brief residents/staff, and fix high‑risk conditions found during inspections.
Book a Safety Review
Contact FC Fire Prevention
or call 905‑929‑3237
Disclaimer: This article summarizes public guidance. Your Fire Safety Plan, AHJ directions and manufacturer instructions take precedence.
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