09/10/2026
Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most common batteries found in our everyday electronics, but they do pose a large fire risk if not treated properly.
The Edmonton Fire Rescue Services share their post on a recent residential fire to help gain awareness on the potential risk of these everyday batteries and the resulting fires they may cause. We hope you find these tips as much a useful reminder as we did.
Service with Integrity
403-742-1676
Yesterday morning's fire in southeast Edmonton was the result of a lithium-ion battery, causing nearly $500,000 in property damage.
At 2:29 a.m., we received reports of a multi-residential structure fire in the Mill Woods neighbourhood. Our crews arrived on scene to an affected townhouse unit and immediately called a second-alarm fire to bring in additional firefighters for support.
The fire was brought under control at 4:08 a.m. and officially declared out at 9:06 a.m. No injuries were reported; however, 11 displaced residents from the wider complex were assisted by the City of Edmonton's Emergency Support Response Team.
Investigators confirmed the cause was a lithium-ion battery malfunction. This marks Edmonton’s 20th lithium-ion battery fire this year, bringing cumulative local property damage from these devices to over $2,100,000. The incident mirrors a growing safety concern across North America, with Toronto Fire Services reporting 93 battery fires so far this year and New York City logging 282 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," said Graeme McAlister, Deputy Fire Chief, Community Safety and Risk. "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, commonly found in power tools, e-bikes, smartphones, laptops and toys, store significant energy and burn at extreme temperatures if damaged, misused or improperly charged.
Crucial Battery Safety Precautions:
🔋 Use approved equipment: Always use manufacturer-certified batteries and chargers. Avoid charging devices overnight or leaving them plugged in longer than necessary.
📍 Protect escape routes: Never charge devices in entryways, hallways or near doors where an active fire could block your exit.
⚠ Watch for warning signs: Stop using a battery immediately if you notice excessive heat, swelling, leakage, strange odours, colour changes or unusual noises.
♻ Dispose safely: Never toss lithium-ion batteries into household trash or recycling bins. Drop them off for free at a City of Edmonton
Eco Station or participating retail partner.
🚨 Emergency action: If a small device smokes, safely move it away from flammable materials if possible, evacuate and call 9-1-1. For active fires or larger batteries, leave the building immediately, activate the building alarm and call 9-1-1 from a safe distance.
For detailed safety resources, visit edmonton.ca/HomeFireSafety or edmonton.ca/Batteries.
