54 Lithium Battery Fires in 2 Years: Ottawa's Rising Crisis
E-scooters, e-bikes, and battery-powered devices have sparked dozens of dangerous fires across the city. What you need to know.
Ottawa firefighters have responded to 54 lithium-ion battery fires since 2024, with 10 already recorded this year—a startling spike that's reshaping how the city thinks about charging devices at home.
The problem gained tragic visibility in March when a battery-powered e-scooter ignited on the 19th floor of a residential building at 395 Somerset Street West, killing three people. That blaze crystallized a danger that's been building quietly in apartments, condos, and homes across the city: the batteries that power our most convenient gadgets can turn into infernos with little warning.
Lithium-ion batteries pack enormous energy density into small spaces. When they fail—whether from manufacturing defects, physical damage, or charging flaws—they can reach temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius within seconds. Unlike traditional fires, these blazes spread fast, generate toxic smoke, and are notoriously difficult to extinguish with water alone.
The devices most frequently involved are e-scooters, e-bikes, and battery-powered tools. Many are imported with minimal safety oversight. Charging practices matter too: overcharging, using non-standard chargers, or leaving devices plugged in overnight all increase risk. Fire officials say awareness is critical—residents should charge devices in open spaces away from bedding and furniture, monitor charging, and replace batteries that show signs of swelling or heat.
For a city where micromobility and cordless tools have become central to how people move and work, this isn't a problem that disappears. The challenge is learning to live with the convenience without ignoring the risk.