Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is cautioning residents against overcharging lithium-ion batteries following a recent incident that resulted in the destruction of two homes in Richmond. Emergency responders were called to a house on Pelham Crescent after reports of a fire just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. Prior to their arrival, the homeowner heard a popping noise emanating from their garage, leading to the discovery of smoke and flames along the wall.
The firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by approximately 3:20 p.m., but not before it had spread to a neighboring property, displacing its residents. OFS investigation revealed that the fire originated from a lithium-ion drill battery that was charging on top of a fridge in the garage. This was the second fire in Ottawa this year caused by this type of battery, with the first incident occurring in January when a dog chewed through a heated ski glove powered by a similar battery.
In response to these occurrences, OFS has issued a safety advisory due to the increasing concern over battery-related fires. OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee highlighted that there have been around 60 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in Ottawa since 2022. Labbee emphasized the prevalence of these batteries in everyday items and the importance of handling them cautiously due to their combustible nature.
Labbee underscored the need to unplug batteries once fully charged to prevent overcharging, which can lead to explosions. Signs that a battery may be at risk of catching fire include hissing, expanding, or emitting unusual odors. Moreover, it was noted that charging batteries below freezing temperatures, such as in a garage, can be detrimental.
Lithium-ion battery fires were described as producing significantly more carbon monoxide than fires fueled by gasoline, making them harder to extinguish with water due to the battery’s chemical composition. Despite their efficiency compared to traditional alkaline batteries, the higher energy density of lithium-ion batteries also increases the risk of explosion. Yaser Abu-Lebdeh, from the National Research Council Canada, explained the dangers associated with tampering or overcharging lithium-ion batteries, leading to a thermal runaway effect that can result in fires and explosions.
While safer versions of lithium-ion batteries are still under development, alternatives with less flammable components are being researched. Abu-Lebdeh expressed optimism about ongoing advancements in battery technology, hinting at future commercialization of safer battery options.