Cause of fatal Centretown fire remains unclear as officials urge caution over use of lithium-ion batteries

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Investigation into fatal Centretown fire

WATCH: Fatal fire in Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood

The investigation continues Monday into a fire in Centretown that claimed the lives of two people and injured three others over the weekend.

The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the cause, including whether an e-bike with a lithium-ion battery found in the unit is to blame.

The fire broke out on the 19th floor of a high-rise apartment building on Somerset Street West near Bank Street Saturday night. Ottawa Fire Services says it’s still not clear what started the blaze.

• Two dead following Centretown apartment fire

Two people were killed, and two others were taken to hospital, with one in critical condition. Firefighters rescued one person that had been trapped on the balcony. A fifth person was attended to by paramedics but not taken to the hospital.

The victims have not been identified.

Vjollca Brajshori, who lives near the building, says she was coming home when she saw the emergency crews on Saturday night.

“It was big, black smoke, but it was dark as well,” Brajshori said. “I don’t know what happened inside, but it was scary to see it.”

In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing says it has no policy against the storage or charging of e-scooters or e-bikes.

“Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) carries out all required fire and life-safety inspections to comply with the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07). This includes regular inspections and testing of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said OCH spokesperson Esther Njuguna in an email.

“Our focus remains on supporting those affected by this incident.”

Leanne Labbee, an Ottawa Fire Services Fire Prevention officer, says lithium-ion batteries are found in almost every rechargeable device, from a vacuum to an electric toothbrush. Fire officials say they are seeing more fires sparked by them.

“It is concerning because of the increase in them and the volatility of the batteries,” said Labbee.

Ottawa Fire Services says in 2024, 19 fires were caused by lithium-ion batteries. Last year, that number jumped to 25 and already this year, there have been eight identified.

“One of the biggest problems with these batteries is that the fires can start so quickly and grow so fast and there’s nothing that we really have nowadays that will put it out,” said Labbee.

“We just cool it until it can burn out its cells within the batteries for it to go out.”

Last month, two homes in Richmond were destroyed after an overcharged drill battery caused a fire. In January, another house fire was sparked in Orléans after a dog chewed through a heated glove powered by a lithium-ion battery.

Labee says it’s important to keep safe including always checking your batteries.

“The things to look out for is any type of swelling or distortion of the battery,” said Labbee.

“As soon as you see that, you know that there’s a problem and that you should stop using that battery. Stop charging that battery and look for an appropriate place to recycle it. If it gets further in, you’re hearing hissing or popping or any odd noises coming from it, that’s another indication that there is trouble with the battery.”

If it does catch fire in your home, leave the house and call 9-1-1 immediately, she says.

“The minute you see any smoke coming from it, get out.”

Fire officials also say to make sure you read the charging instructions that come with the device. When it comes to items like e-bikes, don’t charge them near exits because if they catch fire as you could lose your escape route.

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