Toronto sets new record for lithium-ion battery fires this year

Toronto Fire Services says the city has already seen 97 lithiumion battery incidents this year, surpassing last year’s total of 91. Fire Chief Jim Jessop has repeatedly warned about the risks tied to these batteries, especially in micromobility devices such as ebikes, escooters, and ehoverboards. A recent apartment fire on George Street and Dundas Street involved an ebike battery and left one person with nonlifethreatening injuries. Officials say the batteries are usually safe when used properly, but they can become dangerous if damaged, tampered with, overcharged, or charged with the wrong equipment. Fire crews are urging people to buy certified products, use approved chargers, and dispose of batteries at designated dropoff sites instead of putting them in the garbage.