Investigators say a fire that caused nearly half-a-million dollars in damage at a residential infill building Tuesday morning was caused by a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery in an e-scooter. The fire at the multiplex at 21 Avenue and 46 Street was reported at 2:30 a.m. When firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the corner of the top floor of the three-storey building. The fire was declared under control around 4 a.m. and was declared out at 9:06 a.m. The city says the blaze marks Edmonton’s 20th lithium-ion battery fire of the year, with property damage from these fires totaling more than $2,100,000. Toronto has reported 93 lithium-ion battery fires so far this year, while New York City has logged 282 lithium-ion fires as of late August. “Although currently less frequent than some of our other leading causes of fires, lithium-ion battery fires are extremely dangerous to residents and property and are a rapidly growing concern for the fire service,” Deputy Fire Chief Graeme McAlister said in a news release. “Fire moves fast. From the first sign of a problem, you could have less than a minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire. The best way to be safe is to understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and to always practice caution with them.” Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and found in smartphones, laptops, and tablets, power tools, e-bikes, vapes, and toys. They store a significant amount of energy and burn at extreme temperatures if damaged or improperly charged. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services offers the following tips to avoid a lithium-ion battery fire:
