The Thermal Runaway: Mapping Toronto's Lithium-Ion Fire Surge

When officials say fire risks are "on the rise," it is a headline. When the logs show 97 incidents in a partial calendar year compared to 91 in the entirety of the previous year, it is a data point.

According to reporting from CBC Toronto, the city has already blown past its all-time record for lithium-ion battery fires. In 2025, Toronto Fire Services logged 91 incidents, which was the record high at the time. As of September 2026, that number has climbed to 97. This represents a more than 200 per cent increase over the four-year period since the fire service first began tracking these specific events.

### The Product Failure Points

While lithium-ion batteries power a vast array of consumer electronics—including smartphones, laptops, and electric toothbrushes—the current surge is not being driven by pocket-sized tech.

Division Chief Marla Friebe told Global News that the bulk of the fires crews are encountering involve "micromobility devices," specifically e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-hoverboards. The danger is often compounded by user behavior and product quality. Friebe identified three primary failure points:

1. **Incompatible Components:** Users purchasing parts that are not compatible with their devices. 2. **Non-Recommended Charging:** The use of chargers not suggested by the original manufacturers or the act of overcharging devices. 3. **Unauthorized Modifications:** Tampering with batteries to increase device speed, boost power, or extend the length of a charge.

Beyond user error, there is a systemic issue with the supply chain. Paul Boissonneault, Fire Chief in Oakville and secretary with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFS), told CBC Toronto that products arriving from offshore often lack proper safety ratings, which is a significant cause for concern.

### The Mechanics of the Blaze

For those tracking the data, the danger lies in a phenomenon known as "thermal runaway." As reported by Global News, the UL Research Institutes describe this as an uncontrollable, self-heating state where the lithium-ion cell can combust.

Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop told CBC Toronto that these fires present unique challenges for first responders. He noted that these blazes move faster than typical fires and that batteries can explode, turning components into projectiles. Furthermore, the toxic chemicals released during combustion leave carcinogens on firefighter gear, necessitating a specialized decontamination process.

### Case Studies in Volatility

Recent logs highlight the speed and unpredictability of these incidents. On August 12, around 6 a.m., crews responded to a report of an e-bike battery fire in a fourth-floor apartment unit at George and Dundas streets. Global News reports that one of several e-bike batteries in the unit ignited, and a tenant reportedly threw the battery into a bathtub. Toronto paramedics treated four people at the scene, with one individual transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Industrial sites are not immune. On May 21, the Ashwarren Road recycling facility suffered two fires caused by batteries in thermal runaway. Global News reports that the resulting blaze reached a three-alarm level, though no injuries were reported.

### The Regulatory Gap

With 14 injuries associated with 2026 incidents so far, Chief Jim Jessop has described the situation as "the greatest evolving fire safety risk in Canada’s largest city," according to Global News.

While Jessop told CBC Toronto that he is not seeking an outright ban on the batteries, he is calling on federal and provincial governments to implement stricter regulations regarding battery storage and safety. Similarly, the Ontario fire marshal told CBC Toronto that changes to the province's fire code are being considered to address the rising risks.

On a national level, CAFS is working with Health Canada to propose battery regulations and advocate for tighter import controls. Boissonneault told CBC Toronto that CAFS is looking toward planned updates to the national building and fire codes scheduled for 2030 to create a "standardized and harmonized" approach to battery safety.

### Safety Benchmarks

Toronto Fire Services maintains that these batteries are generally safe if handled correctly. To mitigate risk, the service recommends the following:

* **Certification:** Only purchase devices with batteries that have been safety-tested and certified for use in Canada. * **Charging Protocols:** Use only approved charging devices and follow all manufacturer instructions. * **Environmental Control:** Charge devices in stable temperatures, as extreme heat or cold can affect the battery. * **Storage:** Keep batteries away from flammable materials. * **Disposal:** Never toss batteries in the garbage; they must be taken to an approved disposal site.

Users are warned to watch for "extreme" heating, smoke, or an unusual odour resembling plastic as early warning signs of potential failure.