Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is advising residents against overcharging lithium-ion batteries following a recent incident that led to the destruction of two homes in Richmond. Emergency crews were called to Pelham Crescent due to a house fire just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. Prior to their arrival, the homeowner heard a popping noise from the garage and discovered smoke and flames upon opening the door.
Firefighters managed to control the blaze by around 3:20 p.m., but it had already spread to a neighboring house, forcing those residents to evacuate. OFS later determined that the fire originated from a lithium-ion drill battery charging on top of a refrigerator in the garage. This was the second fire in Ottawa this year caused by such batteries, with the first incident occurring in January when a dog chewed through a ski glove heated by a similar battery.
The series of events prompted OFS to issue a safety advisory due to the increasing concern over battery-related fires. OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee highlighted that there have been approximately 60 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in Ottawa since 2022, emphasizing the prevalence of these batteries in households.
Labbee showcased various household items powered by lithium-ion batteries, illustrating their ubiquitous usage in everyday devices. Despite their widespread presence, consumers are urged to handle them with caution as the batteries can be volatile. Overcharging should be avoided, as it can lead to explosions once the battery is fully charged. Signs of potential danger include hissing, expansion, or unusual odors emanating from the battery.
Furthermore, Ontario’s fire marshal cautioned against charging batteries below freezing temperatures, as it can result in damage. Labbee warned that lithium-ion battery fires produce significantly more carbon monoxide than fires fueled by gasoline, making them harder to extinguish with water due to the battery’s chemical composition.
Unlike traditional alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer higher voltage and energy density, making them more efficient but also more susceptible to explosion. Yaser Abu-Lebdeh from the National Research Council Canada explained that tampering with or overcharging lithium-ion batteries can cause them to heat up, release toxic gases, and potentially catch fire and explode. While safer alternatives are in development with less flammable components, Abu-Lebdeh highlighted the ongoing advancements in battery technology aiming for commercialization in the near future.
