Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. And when they fail, they can fail spectacularly. Here are seven steps to reduce your risk.
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop recently called lithium-ion battery fires "the greatest and most evolving public safety risk" facing the city. The warning comes amid a more than 200% increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires in the city over the past three years. Fire crews have already responded to more than 80 such fires in 2026.
Jessop is not alone in sounding the alarm. The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs has said lithium-ion batteries "will significantly change fire service hazards and operations" and created a hub of safety resources and research.
As lithium-ion batteries become increasingly common, understanding how to use, store and charge them safely has become an important part of managing fire risk.
Why are lithium-ion batteries risky?
Two reasons: 1) They are everywhere and, 2) when they fail, they can fail spectacularly.
Lithium-ion batteries are in our pockets, backpacks, homes, garages and workplaces. They power our phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters and many other devices. While old-fashioned alkaline batteries still have a place in items like flashlights and TV remotes (items that use small amounts of energy or are infrequently used), lithium-ion has become the dominant battery of modern life.
Most of these batteries will operate safely throughout their lives. But when things go wrong, they go very wrong.
This is because lithium-ion batteries pack an extraordinary amount of energy into a small space. That's what makes them so useful, and also what makes them dangerous when they are damaged, improperly charged, exposed to excessive heat or affected by a manufacturing defect.
When they fail, they enter what is known as “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction that can cause them to rapidly overheat, catch fire, explode and release toxic fumes. The result, as fire chiefs warn, is not just property damage, but potential injury or even death.
Apartment and condo buildings are particularly vulnerable. Fire Chief Jessop said he's seen more than a dozen e-bikes stored in a single apartment. While this is extreme, it illustrates a broader reality: Modern multi-unit buildings can contain thousands of lithium-ion-powered devices, whether it is on balconies, inside parking garages or within residential units themselves. That's an awful lot of stored energy concentrated in a single building, at a scale that simply didn't exist a generation ago.
How to reduce your lithium-ion battery fire risk
The good news is that lithium-ion battery fires are largely preventable. Whether you're a tenant, homeowner, landlord or property manager, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk.
1. Use the right battery and charger
Use the battery and charger recommended by the manufacturer. Batteries and chargers that are not approved for your device can increase the risk of overheating or malfunctioning. The money saved is not worth the higher risk.
2. Be thoughtful about where you store and charge larger devices
Not all lithium-ion batteries present the same level of risk. While the battery in your phone contains relatively lower energy, and larger devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters contain much larger battery packs, both can present fire risks when they are overcharged.
When possible, avoid storing or charging large lithium-ion using devices like e-bikes or e-scooters in living spaces. Fire departments have noted that battery storage systems located outside a building can help reduce fire spread and make emergency response easier.
At a minimum, keep battery-powered devices away from exits, hallways and other escape routes. If a fire occurs, you don't want the device blocking your path to safety.
3. Never tamper with a battery
Lithium-ion batteries are complex. Never attempt to modify, repair or rebuild a battery yourself. Similarly, don’t alter charging equipment or use batteries in ways not intended by the manufacturer.
4. Know the warning signs
A lithium-ion battery will often tell you when something is wrong:
Becomes unusually hot
Swells or changes shape
Leaks
Emits an unusual odour
Produces popping, hissing or crackling sounds
If you notice any of these warning signs, move away from the device if it is safe to do so and follow the manufacturer's guidance.
5. Dispose of batteries properly
Lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown in the garbage; they can be crushed, punctured or exposed to heat during collection and processing, creating a fire risk.
Take unwanted batteries to an approved battery recycling or hazardous waste collection facility.
6. Think beyond your own unit
In apartment and condo buildings, battery safety is a shared responsibility. Residents should familiarize themselves with any rules governing the storage and charging of e-bikes, scooters and other battery-powered devices.
Landlords, condo boards and property managers should consider whether their building policies and designated storage areas adequately address the growing number of battery-powered devices now found in multi-unit residential buildings.
7. Ensure you're adequately insured
Even when every reasonable precaution is taken, accidents can still happen. For example, you could be held liable for any damage caused to a building or other units resulting from a lithium-ion battery fire. That's why it's important to make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place.
Fire is covered by insurance (as long as you didn’t deliberately start the fire yourself), and there are different policies for homeowners, condos, landlords and tenants. Whatever your situation, talk to an insurance representative to ensure you are protected against financial losses that might result from a fire. Be sure to specifically ask about e-bikes or e-scooters as they may require additional coverage over and above a standard policy.
As lithium-ion batteries become an increasingly common part of modern life, a little awareness can go a long way. Most batteries will never cause a problem. But given the amount of energy now stored in our homes and buildings, taking a few precautions is well worth the effort.
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