Toronto's fire chief is asking the federal government to increase regulation around lithium-ion batteries, calling battery fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters "the largest growing fire safety risk in the city."
The batteries are commonly found in electric cars, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices, but Chief Jim Jessop says their use in e-bikes and e-scooters is Toronto Fire's main concern. As more people have started using these modes of transportation to get around, he says the number of battery fires is increasing.
In the city this year, Toronto Fire has recorded 29 fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries. That's up from 25 in 2024, and three in 2023.
"Toronto Fire Service has done everything within our power to protect the public at this point, which is primarily through public education," Jessop said. "What we do not have control over is the certification and standards of the batteries, primarily for the mobility devices, which is causing the problem."
Both California and New York have introduced extensive legislation limiting what kinds of batteries can be sold, and how they must be used. Jessop says Toronto Fire has written the federal government, offering its expertise on the matter and asking that Canada follow suit with similar certification and standardization as in the states.
Transport Canada did not return CBC Toronto's request for comment.
A high-profile battery fire on a Toronto subway led the TTC to ban e-scooters and e-bikes on transit last winter. The transit agency plans to enact another seasonal ban this year, says TTC chair Jamaal Myers. He says colder weather, temperature fluctuations and salt used to clear ice can increase battery fire risks.
Lithium-ion battery fires present unique challenges compared to other blazes, according to Michael Smith, president of the Toronto firefighters' union.
"The smoke is just, it's so toxic, it's so dense. The heat from these fires, how fast they get thermal runaway — there's a lot of different things that happen that don't happen in a lot of other types of fires," he said.
That makes battery fires in residences a major concern, said Chief Jessop. He says they're often caused by people buying cheaper batteries and chargers that aren't manufacturer-approved. He says some people also modify the batteries to charge faster or provide more power, but that increases the safety risks.
Ways to stay safe with lithium-ion batteries
Toronto Fire has launched multiple campaigns to educate the public about safety around ion batteries, Jessop said. Campaigns have tried to teach people how to charge them properly, store them if they're damaged, and to avoid buying uncertified and aftermarket batteries.
Toronto Fire is working with the province to look at any amendments to the fire code that could help mitigate lithium-ion fires, according to Jessop. That could include limiting the number of e-scooters and e-bikes that can be stored in multi-residential buildings, he said.
The City of Toronto released a number of guidelines on lithium-ion battery safety earlier this year.
It recommends people not tinker with the batteries, only use certified, manufacturer-approved chargers and keep them in sight while charging. Should users notice anything out of the ordinary with a battery — strange odours, discolouration, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises — the city says they should stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
Old or damaged lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of at city drop-off depots, the city says.