Batteries are catching fire across Toronto, and officials are warning that the problem is getting worse.
This week alone, Toronto has seen a string of three separate fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, prompting renewed warnings from Toronto Fire Services about the growing danger posed by the devices.
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said these fires are a “serious public safety concern,” warning that the increasing frequency and intensity of lithium-ion battery fires pose a growing risk to both the public and firefighters.
On Monday, May 25, Jessop confirmed on X that two recent fires at a recycling facility on Ashwarren Road were caused by lithium-ion batteries entering “thermal runaway.”
Two fires in recent days at the Ashwarren Rd recycling facility were confirmed as caused by lithium-ion batteries in thermal runaway. The frequency and intensity of LIB fires continue to increase across our city, along with the risk to the public and firefighters. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/eCfm0CPZv1
— Jim Jessop (@ChiefJessopTFS) May 26, 2026
According to Toronto Fire Services, thermal runaway is an accelerated increase in temperature that can occur when a lithium-ion battery is overcharged or exposed to extreme heat.
These batteries are commonly used in e-bikes and e-scooters and can fire and explode, leading to injury or even death. Back in 2022, a B.C. man died when an overcharged e-bike battery caught fire in a hotel room.
On Wednesday, May 27, Jessop took to X to confirm another lithium-ion battery fire in Toronto, this time at a shed near Roncesvalles Avenue and The Queensway. Toronto Fire Services said multiple e-bikes were involved, leading to a “fully involved shed fire.”
“Lithium-ion battery safety matters,” Jessop wrote. “The increasing frequency and severity of these fires continues to be a serious public safety concern across our city.”
Another lithium-ion battery fire in the city this afternoon, this incident involving e-bikes in a shed. Lithium-ion battery safety matters. The increasing frequency and severity of these fires continues to be a serious public safety concern across our city. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/yPLfbcHz9W
— Jim Jessop (@ChiefJessopTFS) May 27, 2026
It’s not just e-bikes and e-scooters that Toronto residents should be concerned about. Lithium-ion batteries can also be found in numerous household items, including smartphones, laptops, e-readers, cordless vacuums, portable fans, and power tools. If not stored properly or charged for too long, they can overheat and catch fire.
On Feb. 23, 2026, Jessop said crews responded to three separate battery-related fires within 24 hours. Another notable lithium-ion battery fire broke out on April 27 at an apartment building in the St. James Town neighbourhood.
According to Toronto Fire Services, crews responded to a total of 90 lithium-ion battery fires in 2025, and the number continues to trend upward.
“Be aware of the potential risks, take them seriously, follow safety guidelines, and stay safe,” Jessop said.
The City is advising residents to only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, avoid charging devices unattended, and stop using batteries if they emit a strange odour, become deformed, overheat, or leak.
Image Credit: @ChiefJessopTFS
