Firefighters have expressed concerns regarding the dangerous nature of lithium batteries, which can lead to hot, fast-burning fires that are challenging to extinguish. Recent incidents involving lithium batteries in e-bikes in residential areas like Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario, as well as a fire at a solar farm in Prince Edward Island, have highlighted the risks associated with these batteries.
Due to worries about lithium battery fires, bans on electric bikes and cars have been implemented in certain buildings, public transit systems, and ferries. These bans have caused inconvenience for individuals who rely on these modes of transportation and have also created doubts among some people about using electric vehicles.
This week marks Fire Prevention Week, with a focus on lithium batteries as the official theme. Understanding the challenges posed by lithium battery fires and implementing measures to reduce the associated risks are crucial topics of discussion.
Statistics on lithium battery fires in Canada are not consistently tracked by fire departments. However, a survey by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs estimated that there were approximately 1,500 fires caused by lithium batteries in 600 communities across the country last year. The prevalence of these fires is increasing alongside the growing use of lithium battery-powered devices.
Lithium battery fires are most common in household devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters. In contrast, electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage batteries are less prone to fires due to rigorous testing and built-in safety features. While specific nationwide data on EV fires in Canada is unavailable, U.S. data suggests that such incidents are significantly rare compared to fires involving gas-powered vehicles.
