Toronto Sees Three Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in 24 Hours as Fire Chief Raises Fresh Safety Warning

Toronto firefighters responded to three separate fires involving lithium-ion batteries within less than 24 hours, prompting a fresh warning from Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop about the risks associated with modified and potentially unsafe batteries. 

The latest incidents occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday, August 11–12. The third fire broke out Wednesday morning at a Toronto Community Housing building on George Street. Firefighters found burned lithium-ion batteries inside a fourth-floor unit. Four people were injured, although officials said it remains unclear whether the batteries directly caused the fire or what specific role they played. 

Two other battery-related fires were reported on Tuesday, including a two-alarm fire at a home on Upper Canada Drive and another residential fire in Scarborough. No injuries were reported in those incidents. 

Following the three incidents, Chief Jessop issued a warning on social media, highlighting the danger posed by modified lithium-ion batteries. Global News reported that Jessop described the recent incidents as part of a growing concern for firefighters and residents. 

80 Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Already This Year

The latest incidents come as Toronto continues to record a significant number of lithium-ion battery fires.

According to TorontoToday, Toronto Fire Services had recorded 80 lithium-ion battery fires in 2026 by August 12, a 40% increase compared with the same period last year. 

The problem is not entirely new. Toronto Fire Services has previously identified overcharging, improper disposal, modified batteries and uncertified batteries and chargers as key fire risks. Its 2024 annual report noted that lithium-ion battery-related fires had increased by 90% in 2023 compared with 2022. 

Toronto has also pushed for stronger regulation. A city motion highlighted a 591% increase in lithium-ion battery fire incidents between 2020 and 2024 and called for stronger action against unregulated and uncertified batteries. 

The city’s 2026 fire-service programme continues to prioritise lithium-ion battery safety campaigns, responsible disposal and public education. 

Questions for Lithium-Battery Users Worldwide

Toronto’s latest incidents raise questions that extend far beyond Canada:

How can consumers know whether a battery is genuinely certified?

Are modified or repaired battery packs being adequately controlled?

Are manufacturers providing clear warnings about charging, storage and disposal?

And as lithium-ion batteries become increasingly common worldwide, are safety standards and enforcement keeping pace with their rapid adoption?

Read the Latest Battery News Shaping the Global Power Market

1. https://globalnews.ca/news/12018485/fire-chief-frustrated-after-3-lithium-ion-battery-fires/?
2. https://www.torontotoday.ca/local/crime-emergency-services/fire-lithium-ion-batteries-four-injured-third-in-24-hours-12656482?