The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department is raising awareness about the hazards associated with lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery devices, such as smartphones, laptops, cordless power tools, e-bikes, and various other electronic. With the increasing reliance on these devices for communication, work, and entertainment, residents are encouraged to understand the potential risks and take appropriate precautions to prevent fire incidents.
Mishandling devices, such as dropping a power tool or exposing a smartphone to heat by leaving it on the dashboard of a car, may compromise the integrity of the battery. This increases the risk of a process called thermal runaway, where the battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably, leading to the release of hydrogen which can result in catastrophic consequences, including fires or even explosions.
Warning signs of battery issues include expansion, changes in shape, excessive heat, leakage of fluids, vapor, or hissing or popping sounds. If any of these symptoms are observed, individuals are urged to evacuate the area immediately and call 911.
As part of our research into this issue, 705BLACKFLY.COM did a search of recent news stories both in Canada and internationally about fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, and we were surprised by the enormous number of incidents we found.
- In Toronto, the fire department says Lithium-ion battery fires increased nearly 90% in 2023. In December 2023, a subway train was evacuated when an e-bike caught fire.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-e-bike-battery-fire-1.7072547
TTC FIRE VIDEO, COURTESY: TTC NOTICES
- In St. Catharines, an investigation by St. Catharines Fire Services determined that a house fire on December 27th, 2023, was started by lithium-ion batteries. One person was injured.
https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/news/dec-7-fire-caused-by-lithium-ion-batteries.aspx
- In Vancouver, a woman is suing several makers of e-bikes and e-scooters following an apartment fire in 2022 in which her partner died. She alleges the lithium-ion power cell in an e-bike started the blaze.
The issue continues with several international news articles:
- A CBS news article from December 2023 stated that 18 people in New York City died in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lithium-ion-batteries-dangers-warning-fatal-fires-new-york-city/
- In Coldwater, Michigan, the Fire Marshal believes lithium-ion batteries started two major fires in the county.
- From Australia, we found several articles about growing safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries after there were four fires in one day in New South Wales, with lithium-ion batteries being blamed for over 1,000 fires in the past year.
Clearly, these batteries can pose a serious safety risk if they are not handled properly. The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department recommends residents to:
– Never store or charge devices with lithium batteries in areas used for exiting, such as hallways, stairs, or doorways, to ensure safe evacuation in case of an emergency.
– Purchase batteries from reputable manufacturers that adhere to safety standards.
– Use undamaged charging cords that came with your device and avoid leaving batteries in a charger once fully charged to avoid potential overcharging.
– Store batteries at room temperature and refrain from charging devices on soft materials like pillows, beds, or couches.
– When disposing of lithium batteries, never throw them in the general trash. Instead, take them to a local hazardous waste depot or e-recycler.
– Do not tamper with and/or modify lithium batteries in any way.
We urge you to please watch the video below from the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department. It’s extremely compelling.
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