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 alerted to a house engulfed in flames on Pelham Crescent before 2 p.m. on February 17. Upon arrival, the homeowner reported hearing a popping sound from the garage, leading to the discovery of smoke and flames along a wall.
Firefighters managed to contain 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 charging on top of a fridge in the garage. This marked the second fire in Ottawa caused by such a battery in the current year, following a previous incident involving a heated ski glove chewed by a dog.
As a response to these events, OFS issued a safety advisory due to the escalating concern surrounding battery-related fires. OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee highlighted the prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in households, citing at least 60 battery-involved fires in Ottawa since 2022. Labbee emphasized the widespread use of these batteries in various everyday items.
Despite their ubiquity, the explosive nature of lithium-ion batteries necessitates careful handling. OFS advises promptly unplugging fully charged batteries to prevent overcharging, which can lead to explosions. Signs of danger include hissing, expansion, or unusual odors emitted by the battery. Additionally, it is cautioned not to charge batteries below freezing temperatures, as this can cause damage.
Labbee warned that lithium-ion battery fires produce significantly more carbon monoxide than fires fueled by traditional accelerants, making them harder to extinguish with water. Due to the battery’s chemical composition, the fires may self-sustain until all cells burn out. The risk of explosion is likened to a trick birthday candle that reignites when blown out.
Compared to alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer higher voltage and energy density, making them more efficient but also more prone to explosion. Yaser Abu-Lebdeh, leading the battery materials innovation team at the National Research Council Canada, explained that tampering or overcharging lithium-ion batteries can trigger a thermal runaway, releasing toxic gases and potentially causing fires and explosions.
While safer versions of lithium-ion batteries are not yet available, efforts are underway to develop alternatives with less flammable components. Abu-Lebdeh mentioned ongoing advancements in battery technology aiming for commercialization in the near future.