E-scooter battery fire in Scarborough highrise sends 3 to hospital

Toronto fire crews respond to a highrise fire in Scarborough involving an e-scooter on Sunday, July 12, 2026. (Toronto Fire Services/X)

Three people were taken to the hospital following a lithium-ion battery fire in a Scarborough highrise involving an e-scooter on Sunday morning.

Toronto Fire Services (TFS) said they responded to the TCHC building at 4205 Lawrence Ave. E. shortly before 7:30 a.m.

When crews arrived, they reported near-zero visibility on the second floor due to heavy black smoke, TFS said.

Crews later knocked down the fire and TFS said they ventilated the building as the smoke spread beyond the origin.

Three people sustained non-life-threatening injuries related to smoke inhalation, Toronto paramedics said.

“E-bike battery fires spread rapidly, produce toxic smoke, and pose serious risks to residents and firefighters,” TFS Chief Jim Jessop said in a post on social media, sharing photos of the fire aftermath.