Fire officials warn improper charging behind growing number of lithium-ion battery fires

Edmonton firefighters say lithium ion batteries in your home could be a ticking time bomb. The batteries have already led to a local death.

Lithium-ion battery safety, particularly for the batteries that power phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters, is the focus of Fire Prevention Week for the second year in a row.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services personnel outlined the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, particularly those that are damaged, modified or improperly charged, on Friday to mark the start of the annual safety campaign.

So far in 2026, fire crews have responded to 22 lithium-ion-battery-related fires that caused more than $2.1 million in property damage and one death. Last year, crews responded to 16 such fires.

Earlier this month, an e-bike battery sparked a townhouse fire that caused $470,000 in property damage.

Graham McAlister, deputy fire chief of community safety and risk with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS), said the increase in battery fires is not unique to Edmonton and reflects a trend seen across Canada and North America.

“In day-to-day life, there’s more prevalence of utilization of different mobility devices and a lot more options,” McAlister told reporters Friday at Fire Station No. 8 in Blatchford. “It’s fairly easy to go on and order different chargers, or even you can go to a gas station ... It doesn’t mean it’s the right charger, and as devices become more prevalent, I think that’s what’s contributing to the significant rise.”

McAlister said the ongoing education campaign includes working with rental property managers to post signage warning residents about lithium-ion battery hazards.

Justin Lallemand, EFRS assistant deputy chief of fire prevention and investigations, said fire departments across Canada share information and best practices to address challenges posed by the “very explosive ... very powerful” batteries.

“This is the second year in a row lithium-ion battery fires have (become the focus of) Fire Prevention Week,” Lallemand said. “All across North America, departments are coming together to find new ways to battle these. For us, the best thing we can do is prevent them. It’s education. As the ADC of investigations, I read every single report, and what I’m seeing in Edmonton (is) the common trend of modified batteries, damaged batteries and improper charging cords. All these things are very preventable. We need to spread that awareness, and then we’re going to have fewer crews going in to fight the blaze.”

Lithium-ion battery fire prevention tips

• Unplug devices when they reach a full charge. If a battery feels hot, begins to swell, smokes or emits a pungent odour, stop charging it immediately;
• Use only the original charging cord and block that came with the device, or a manufacturer-approved replacement. Look for recognized safety certification marks such as UL, CSA or ETL;
• Use only chargers in good working condition. Do not use damaged chargers;
• Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces away from flammable materials such as beds, couches and carpets. Never charge devices overnight or under pillows;
• Charge larger items, such as e-bikes and power tools, outdoors whenever possible. Do not charge them in a location that could block an exit.