Toronto fire chief warns e-bike owners after battery blaze

Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop is warning ebike owners after a battery fire outside a Toronto home was captured on video Sunday. The footage shows the ebike suddenly catching fire and then producing several smaller explosions as lithiumion battery cells are thrown into the air. Jessop said these incidents create difficult conditions for firefighters because of toxic smoke and flying battery debris. Toronto Fire says ebike battery fires have become a recurring problem in the city, with recent incidents reported in apartment buildings and on public transit. The department says fires can be caused by incompatible parts, unapproved chargers, overcharging, or battery modifications. Officials are advising owners to watch for warning signs such as unusual smells, smoke, or rapid heating, and to dispose of batteries at approved collection sites instead of putting them in the garbage.