Toronto Reaches 97 Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in 2026: What Property Managers and E-Bike Users Need to Know

Toronto's fire services reported a troubling milestone this week: the city has recorded 97 lithium-ion battery-related fires in 2026 alone, officially surpassing the total number of such incidents from the entire previous year. The report, published September 9, 2026 by CTV News Toronto, comes with a clear warning from Fire Chief Jim Jessop, who identified uncertified e-bike and e-scooter batteries as the primary hazard driving these incidents.

For property managers overseeing multi-residential buildings, condo boards managing shared spaces, and the growing number of Canadians commuting on electric micro-mobility devices, this is a signal worth taking seriously — not with alarm, but with informed, practical action. This guide outlines what happened, why lithium-ion battery fires behave differently from conventional fires, who faces the greatest risk in urban settings, and what prevention and preparedness measures are worth considering now.

What Happened: Toronto's 2026 Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Milestone

According to CTV News Toronto's September 9, 2026 report, Toronto has surpassed its full-year 2025 total for lithium-ion battery fires with 97 incidents recorded through early September 2026. Fire Chief Jim Jessop specifically flagged uncertified e-bike and e-scooter batteries as the leading source of these fires.

The concern centres on battery packs — particularly aftermarket and uncertified units — that have not been evaluated to recognized safety standards. These products may lack the internal protection circuits, thermal management systems, and quality controls that certified equipment is required to demonstrate before reaching market.

This is not a problem unique to Toronto. Canadian cities with high concentrations of e-bike and e-scooter users, dense multi-residential housing stock, and limited dedicated storage space for micro-mobility equipment face similar considerations. Toronto's milestone, however, provides a concrete, current data point that underscores the importance of proactive safety planning across Canadian urban centres.

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Behave Differently

Understanding why lithium-ion battery fires pose distinct challenges helps explain why standard fire-preparedness approaches may not be sufficient on their own.

Thermal Runaway

The central hazard in a lithium-ion battery fire is a process called thermal runaway. When a battery cell is damaged, improperly charged, exposed to excessive heat, or subjected to a manufacturing defect, internal temperatures can rise rapidly and uncontrollably. One failing cell can trigger adjacent cells in the same pack to fail in sequence, generating substantial heat, gas, and — in many cases — fire.

Reignition Risk

Unlike many conventional fires, lithium-ion battery fires carry a meaningful risk of reignition. Even after visible flames are suppressed, cells within the battery pack may retain sufficient heat or stored chemical energy to restart combustion. This characteristic makes response planning and appropriate equipment selection particularly important.

Difficulty of Cooling

Cooling a lithium-ion battery fire to a point where reignition risk is adequately reduced can require sustained effort and, in some cases, specialized approaches. The appropriate response depends on the size of the battery, the environment, and what resources are available. This is one reason why fire services and safety professionals recommend that property managers and organizations think through their response strategy before an incident occurs rather than improvising during one.

It is worth noting that not all lithium-ion batteries behave identically. Battery chemistry, pack size, state of charge, age, and condition all influence how a fire develops. This variability reinforces why both prevention and preparedness — rather than a single universal solution — are the appropriate framework.

Who Is Most at Risk in Canadian Urban Settings

The risk profile described in Toronto's 2026 data is most directly relevant to several groups:

Property Managers and Multi-Residential Building Administrators. Buildings with shared corridors, underground parking, bike storage rooms, and charging infrastructure face concentrated risk. A battery fire in a shared space can affect multiple units, obstruct exit routes, and create evacuation complications. Many building managers are now reviewing their policies around e-bike and e-scooter storage and charging in common areas.

Apartment Dwellers and Condo Residents. Residents who charge e-bikes, e-scooters, or other lithium-powered devices inside their units — particularly overnight or unattended — face elevated personal risk. The confined space of an apartment unit limits response time and exit options in the event of a thermal runaway event.

E-Bike and E-Scooter Commuters. Canadians relying on electric micro-mobility for daily transportation are often most incentivized to purchase lower-cost, uncertified battery replacements or chargers. Fire Chief Jessop's warning speaks directly to this group: the battery and charging equipment used with these devices matters significantly.

Facilities and Operations Managers. Warehouses, commercial properties, and facilities storing or charging multiple battery-powered devices — including fleets of e-bikes or delivery vehicles — face risks that scale with the number of batteries present.

Prevention: Practical Steps Worth Taking Now

Prevention is the most effective form of lithium battery fire safety. The following recommendations reflect broadly accepted guidance for residential and commercial settings. Always follow manufacturer instructions and applicable local fire codes, as requirements and conditions vary.

Use Certified Equipment

Where possible, use e-bikes, e-scooters, and battery packs that have been evaluated and certified by a recognized testing organization. Certification marks indicate that a product has been assessed against defined safety standards. Uncertified aftermarket batteries, as identified by Fire Chief Jessop, represent a disproportionate share of incident risk.

Inspect Batteries Regularly

Visually inspect batteries and packs before and after use. Signs of swelling, deformation, heat discolouration, unusual odours, or damage to the outer casing are indicators that a battery should be removed from service and assessed before further use.

Follow Charging Best Practices

• Charge batteries using the manufacturer-supplied or manufacturer-approved charger.
• Avoid charging overnight or for extended unattended periods where possible.
• Do not charge immediately after heavy use when the battery may still be warm.
• Charge in a well-ventilated area away from combustible materials.
• Do not charge on or near upholstered furniture, bedding, or carpeting.

Store Batteries Appropriately

Store lithium-ion batteries at moderate temperatures, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. For micro-mobility devices, dedicated, ventilated storage areas away from primary living or sleeping spaces are preferable where available.

Remove Damaged Batteries from Service

A damaged battery should not be charged or used. If safe to do so, store it in a cool, dry location away from combustibles until it can be properly disposed of through an appropriate battery recycling or hazardous materials program.

Fire-Response Considerations: Planning Before an Incident Occurs

Prevention reduces risk but does not eliminate it entirely. Property managers, building administrators, and facilities teams are increasingly evaluating what equipment and protocols they want in place before a lithium-ion battery fire occurs.

Why Planning Matters

A lithium-ion battery fire can develop quickly, and standard dry-chemical extinguishers may not be well-suited to managing the reignition risk associated with thermal runaway events. Planning an appropriate response strategy — including evaluating equipment options and ensuring occupants understand evacuation procedures — is more effective when done proactively.

Equipment Options Worth Evaluating

Specialized fire-response equipment has been developed specifically with lithium-ion battery fires in mind. Options available in Canada include:

• AVD lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, which use AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) agent formulated to cool battery fires and help reduce reignition risk. A larger-capacity option, the AVD 50L Wheeled Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher, is also available for higher-risk environments.
• AVD fire blankets, designed to contain and suppress smaller battery fires and provide a barrier during device transport or evacuation scenarios.
• AVD Fire Suppression Kits for facilities managing higher-density battery charging or storage environments.

LithiumSafe Fire supplies these categories of equipment to Canadian property managers, facilities teams, and organizations. We make no claim that any single piece of equipment is universally applicable or guarantees a specific outcome in every fire scenario. What we do recommend is that organizations evaluate their specific risk environment, consult with their local fire authority where appropriate, and select equipment suited to their context.

LithiumSafe Fire: A Canadian Resource for Lithium Battery Fire Protection

LithiumSafe Fire is a Canadian supplier specializing in lithium-ion battery fire protection equipment and safety resources. Our focus is on helping property managers, building administrators, facilities operators, and safety-conscious Canadians understand lithium battery fire risk and source appropriate equipment to support their preparedness planning.

Our product range includes AVD fire extinguishers, AVD fire blankets, and the AVD Fire Suppression Kit for battery storage and suppression scenarios. We also publish safety resources and guides to support informed decision-making — because equipment is only part of a sound safety approach.

We are not fire authorities, and we do not replace the guidance of your local fire marshal, fire service, or occupational health and safety regulator. What we aim to provide is accurate product information, honest guidance, and access to equipment designed specifically for the lithium-ion battery fire risk environment that Canadian properties are navigating in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store my e-bike inside my apartment?

Many residents store e-bikes inside their units due to limited alternatives. If you do, following certified equipment and safe charging practices is especially important. Check with your building management or condo corporation, as some buildings have implemented storage policies in response to fire risk concerns.

Is it safe to charge an e-bike battery overnight?

Unattended and overnight charging is generally considered higher risk than attended charging, particularly for older or uncertified battery packs. Where possible, charge during waking hours and use a charger matched to the manufacturer's specifications.

What should I do if my lithium-ion battery starts smoking or swelling?

Do not continue charging. If safe to do so, move the device or battery to an outdoor area away from combustibles. Evacuate the area and contact your local fire service. Do not attempt to extinguish a significant battery fire with a standard household extinguisher unless you have been trained and have appropriate equipment available.

What fire equipment is recommended for multi-residential buildings with e-bike storage?

This depends on the specific layout, volume of stored devices, and local fire code requirements. AVD-based extinguishers and fire blankets are among the equipment options designed for lithium battery fire scenarios. Consulting with your local fire authority and a qualified safety equipment supplier is recommended before making purchasing decisions.

Are all lithium-ion batteries equally dangerous?

No. Battery chemistry, size, age, certification status, and condition all influence risk. Certified batteries from reputable manufacturers with intact protection circuits carry lower inherent risk than aged, damaged, or uncertified aftermarket packs.

What does "thermal runaway" mean in plain terms?

Thermal runaway is a self-reinforcing process where heat generated inside a battery cell causes further chemical reactions that generate more heat, potentially leading to fire or explosion. It can be triggered by physical damage, overcharging, heat exposure, or manufacturing defects. Once thermal runaway begins in one cell, adjacent cells can be affected in sequence.

Explore Lithium Battery Fire Protection Equipment

If you manage a multi-residential property, operate a facility with battery charging infrastructure, or are looking for practical fire protection equipment suited to lithium-ion battery risks, we invite you to explore our range of solutions:

• 6L AVD Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher — compact AVD-based extinguisher for lithium battery fire scenarios
• AVD 50L Wheeled Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher — higher-capacity option for larger or higher-risk environments
• Lithium Battery AVD Fire Blankets — containment and suppression for smaller battery fires
• AVD Fire Suppression Kit — suppression solutions for battery-dense storage environments

For questions about equipment selection or to discuss your property's specific needs, contact LithiumSafe Fire.

Sources

CTV News Toronto. (September 9, 2026). Toronto records 97 lithium-ion battery fires in 2026, surpassing last year's total. CTV News Toronto.