Toronto Fire Services Respond to Multiple Lithium-Ion Battery Fires, Citing Public Safety Risk
Toronto Fire Services (TFS) responded to two separate fires involving lithium-ion batteries on Sunday. The first incident occurred in an alleyway near St. Clair Avenue West and Bathurst Street, where an e-bike caught fire. While two individuals were assessed for smoke inhalation, the fire was contained and did not spread. Later the same day, another fire broke out in an apartment building near Crescent Town Road and Victoria Park Avenue, also caused by a lithium-ion battery. No injuries were reported in the second incident, and the fire was extinguished. TFS Chief Jim Jessop highlighted that fires caused by lithium-ion batteries represent the greatest public safety risk in Toronto, noting a 200 percent increase in such fires since 2022. Jessop attributes many of these incidents to unregulated batteries that do not meet safety standards, often purchased online and used improperly. 
