Mississauga’s reported 122% rise in battery-related fires: a practical urban safety guide

During Fire Prevention Week, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services drew attention to a reported 122% increase in battery-related fires in Mississauga in 2025, describing batteries as the city’s fastest-growing ignition source. For property managers, businesses, multi-residential operators and homeowners, the warning is relevant wherever rechargeable devices are charged, stored or used near people and shared exits. This guide explains what the local figure does and does not tell us, why lithium-ion incidents can be challenging, and how to plan safer charging, storage and emergency response.

What did Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services report?

In its Fire Prevention Week announcement, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services reported a 122% rise in battery-related fires in 2025 and identified batteries as Mississauga’s fastest-growing ignition source. That is a local, reported change, not a national rate or a prediction that every battery will fail. The announcement is a reason to review everyday controls in places with frequent charging, particularly apartment buildings, offices, shops and homes.

Why can a lithium-ion battery fire be different?

Many rechargeable devices use lithium-ion cells. When a cell is damaged, defective, overheated or improperly charged, it can fail and generate heat faster than it can dissipate it. In some incidents, this leads to thermal runaway: a self-heating process that may spread to neighbouring cells. Heat, smoke and flammable gases can develop quickly; an affected battery may also reignite if hot cells remain or the pack has not been adequately cooled.

Cooling a battery pack can be difficult because heat may be trapped within its casing or spread between cells. The size, chemistry, state of charge and design of a battery affect how an incident develops, so no single description or response works for every battery type. Ordinary lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are not the same as every battery labelled “lithium.” For more background, see our warehouse battery risk guide.

Who should review their charging and storage practices?

Property managers and multi-residential operators

Shared spaces can bring several devices and chargers together, from mobility devices and e-bikes to maintenance equipment. Review where residents and staff charge them, keep exits and corridors clear, and establish a process for reporting damaged batteries or unsafe charging setups. Make the policy understandable to residents and coordinate it with the building’s fire-safety plan and local requirements.

Business owners and facility teams

Identify the battery-powered tools, backup devices and inventory on site. Assign suitable charging areas, train staff to spot warning signs, and document who can isolate a damaged unit and call for help. Larger fleets or stockrooms may need a more detailed assessment of separation, detection, ventilation and response arrangements by qualified professionals.

Homeowners

Think beyond phones: e-bikes, scooters, power tools and other rechargeable products may add up to several charging points at home. Choose a clear, appropriate charging location rather than a doorway, stairway or crowded storage area.

Lithium-ion battery fire prevention: practical steps

Charge with compatible equipment

Use the charger and battery specified by the equipment manufacturer, and choose products with applicable certification from recognized testing bodies where relevant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging temperatures and supervision. Avoid improvised chargers, damaged cables and overloaded power bars; unplug when charging is complete if the manufacturer directs you to.

Inspect and remove damaged units from service

Check for swelling, leaks, punctures, unusual heat, odour, noises or a charger that behaves abnormally. Stop using or charging a suspect device. Do not open, crush or attempt to repair a damaged pack yourself. Arrange assessment or disposal through the manufacturer, a qualified service provider or an appropriate local battery collection program.

Plan for lithium battery storage safety

Store batteries according to their manufacturer’s instructions, away from excessive heat, moisture and combustible clutter. Protect loose terminals against short circuits and separate damaged units from normal stock under a site-specific procedure. Keep charging and storage areas clear of exits and routinely check that the arrangement still suits the number and type of devices in use.

Plan the fire response before an incident

Prevention comes first, but a response plan matters too. Ensure occupants know how to raise the alarm, leave the area and call 911. If a battery is smoking, hissing, hot or on fire, do not handle it or move it through occupied areas. Follow your building’s emergency plan and firefighters’ directions. Only trained people should consider using firefighting equipment, and only when conditions and their training make it safe; equipment is not a substitute for evacuation and emergency services.

Depending on the battery size, location and assessed hazard, a professional may consider specialized lithium battery fire protection, including an AVD lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher, an AVD fire blanket or an appropriately designed suppression system. These options have different intended uses and limitations. A blanket may help contain an incident in a suitable scenario but should not be assumed to cool every battery pack or prevent reignition. Check product-specific instructions, tested applications and local requirements with a qualified fire-safety professional before selecting or deploying equipment. For broader planning, see our fire protection services and lithium battery fire extinguisher information.

Frequently asked questions about urban battery safety

Where should e-bike batteries be charged in an apartment building?

Use a location permitted by the building’s rules and local fire-safety requirements, with clear access and exits. Follow the device manufacturer’s charging instructions. Building operators should assess shared charging arrangements rather than assume a hallway or stairwell is suitable.

Can I charge a lithium-ion battery overnight?

Follow the manufacturer’s directions and any building policy. A safer routine is to charge while someone is available to notice a problem, on a suitable surface and away from combustible clutter and exit routes, rather than leaving damaged or incompatible equipment charging unattended.

What should I do if a battery swells, overheats or smokes?

Stop charging or using it if you can do so safely. Do not touch a hot, smoking or venting battery. Move away, alert others and call 911 if there is smoke, fire or an immediate hazard. Ask the manufacturer or a qualified professional how to manage and dispose of a damaged battery once the area is safe.

Will a standard extinguisher put out every lithium-ion battery fire?

No single extinguisher should be assumed suitable for every battery incident. Battery size, chemistry, surrounding materials and the possibility of continuing cell failure affect the response. Seek a site-specific assessment, follow product instructions and prioritize evacuation and emergency services.

Do fire blankets or suppression systems eliminate the risk of reignition?

No universal guarantee is appropriate. A blanket or suppression system may play a role in a properly designed response, but lingering heat or cell failure can require monitoring and additional cooling by trained responders. Match equipment to the assessed hazard and its documented limitations.

Build a safer charging environment

LithiumSafe Fire is a Canadian supplier focused on lithium-ion battery fire protection equipment and practical safety information. If your property or workplace is reviewing charging zones, battery storage or response equipment, explore our lithium battery fire extinguisher options and contact us for fire-protection guidance. The right starting point is a clear understanding of your batteries, your space and the advice of qualified local professionals.

Sources

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services News: “Charge up your fire safety knowledge this Fire Prevention Week”. The 122% figure and fastest-growing ignition-source characterization above are attributed to this municipal announcement; the prevention and response guidance is general information, not a quotation from the announcement.