Electric bikes may have been involved in two Toronto fires
Toronto e-bike fires raise safety concerns as Toronto firefighters investigate two blazes See what officials say about lithium-ion batteries, hospital injuries, and fire risks
Two fires possibly linked to electric bikes were reported in Toronto on Sunday, just hours apart in different parts of the city.
Police said the first blaze broke out shortly before noon in a northend alley and was caused by an ebike battery. Fire crews put it out, and two people were taken to hospital with minor smoke inhalation.
Toronto Fire Services said a second fire started about two hours later in the east end. Firefighters extinguished a fire on the ground floor of a building and are investigating whether an ebike was involved. The service said there have been 93 fires involving lithiumion batteries in Toronto so far this year, and warned that damaged or improperly charged batteries can catch fire.