Ottawa Firefighters Respond to 54 Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Since 2024
Ottawa firefighters have responded to 54 fires related to lithium-ion batteries since 2024, with 23 of those fires causing significant structural damage to homes. The data was presented in a report prepared by Ottawa Fire Services for the city's emergency and protective services committee following an inquiry from Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill.
So far this year, there have been 10 confirmed fires related to lithium-ion batteries, which power a wide range of devices including phones, tools, e-bikes, and e-scooters. A tragic fire on March 14 at a residential highrise at 395 Somerset St. W. was believed to have been sparked by a battery-powered e-scooter, resulting in three fatalities.
Recent Incidents and Trends
Earlier this year, a dog chewing on a heated glove battery sparked a house fire in Orléans, while a two-alarm blaze in Richmond was traced to a power tool battery. Firefighters were able to contain 31 of the 54 fires to the area of origin with reduced structural damage. Among these, one was related to an electric vehicle and five were traced to e-bikes or e-bike batteries.
All lithium-ion battery fires are reported to Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal, which collects provincewide data to monitor trends, inform fire safety guidance, and support public education initiatives. Over the past two full years, an average of 1.5% of fires in Ottawa were suspected to be caused by lithium-ion batteries, with rates of 1.3% in 2024 and 1.6% in 2025. It is too early to estimate the 2026 average.
Risk Factors and Safety Recommendations
The report identifies several factors that increase vulnerability to lithium-ion battery fires, including unsafe charging practices such as leaving devices plugged in after full charge or charging on soft surfaces like beds and couches. Batteries left charging in extremely cold environments can cause thermal runaway, a rapid buildup of heat leading to fire or explosion.
At a news conference earlier this year, OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee estimated that the average household has about 100 batteries in use, with roughly three-quarters being lithium-ion. The report notes that new battery designs, improved management systems, and advancements in materials are helping reduce risks, but low-quality or modified batteries continue to pose a threat. Cheap aftermarket batteries, chargers, or altered devices can bypass safety controls, significantly increasing fire risk.
