Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is cautioning residents against overcharging lithium-ion batteries following a recent fire incident that resulted in the destruction of two homes in Richmond. Emergency responders were called to Pelham Crescent due to a house engulfed in flames before 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. Prior to their arrival, the homeowner noticed a popping sound emanating from their garage, leading to the discovery of smoke and flames along a wall when they opened the main door.
Firefighters managed to control the blaze by approximately 3:20 p.m., but not before it spread to a neighboring residence, displacing its occupants. OFS determined that the fire was ignited by a lithium-ion drill battery that was charging on top of a refrigerator in the garage. This incident marked the second fire in Ottawa caused by such a battery in the year, with the first occurring in January when a dog chewed through a heated ski glove powered by a similar battery.
As a response to these events, OFS issued a safety advisory regarding the increasing risks associated with battery fires. OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee highlighted that there have been at least 60 lithium-ion battery-related fires in Ottawa since 2022, emphasizing the ubiquitous presence of these batteries in households due to their common usage in various devices.
Labbee showcased the prevalence of lithium-ion battery-powered items in her home, illustrating how these batteries are integral to modern living. Despite their widespread use, consumers are urged to handle lithium-ion batteries with caution due to their explosive nature. OFS emphasized the importance of promptly unplugging batteries once fully charged to prevent overcharging, which can lead to explosions.
Furthermore, it was noted that charging batteries below freezing temperatures, such as in a garage, can result in damage. Labbee warned about the hazards posed by lithium-ion battery fires, citing their high carbon monoxide emissions and the difficulty in extinguishing them with water due to the chemicals involved.
Yaser Abu-Lebdeh, heading the battery materials innovation team at National Research Council Canada, explained the susceptibility of lithium-ion batteries to overheating and potential explosion when tampered with or overcharged. He described the dangerous chain reaction known as “thermal runaway” that occurs within these batteries, leading to rapid heating and combustion. While safer versions of lithium-ion batteries are not yet available commercially, Abu-Lebdeh mentioned ongoing developments toward creating alternatives with less flammable components.
The surge in the use of lithium-ion batteries has raised concerns due to their higher voltage and energy density, making them more effective but also more prone to explosion. Despite the risks, advancements in battery technology aim to enhance safety features and reduce the likelihood of battery-related incidents in the future.
