Lithium-ion battery fires on the rise across Canada as regulations are considered
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from e-bikes and e-scooters to phones and laptops, but they’re also being blamed for a growing number of fires across Canada this year.
Fire departments in cities including Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are warning residents about the rising risks and urging federal officials to consider tougher safety rules for the rechargeable technology.
So far in 2026, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) tells Daily Hive they have responded to 20 lithium-ion battery fires, while Toronto Fire Services has reported a staggering 82 incidents involving the batteries this year, with the latest figures suggesting a battery bursts into flames every three days. In Calgary, firefighters have dealt with 18 battery-related fires, including three in a single 24-hour period last week.
“E-bikes and e-scooters are an increasingly common source of serious fires, given the size and energy capacity of their battery,” the Calgary Fire Department tells Daily Hive. “However, consumer devices such as battery packs and vapes are also common sources of lithium-ion fire incidents.”
In Medicine Hat, Alta., a recent residential fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery found in something as innocent as a solar light.
These are small batteries that can store large amounts of energy. They’re lightweight, powerful and can be recharged repeatedly, making them common in everything from power tools and portable power banks to baby monitors and toys.
One of the biggest concerns is what firefighters call “thermal runaway,” when a battery cell rapidly heats up and triggers further heating inside the battery. According to Health Canada, lithium-ion batteries can present hazards including overheating, off-gassing, smoke, fire, thermal runaway and explosion.
VRFS says it is seeing battery fires involving a range of products, with incidents frequently involving e-bikes; these fires are caused by batteries that have been damaged, improperly charged, modified or paired with non-approved chargers or components.
The growing number of fires in 2026 has also caught the attention of federal regulators.
Transport Canada regulates the labelling, transport and handling of lithium batteries. Health Canada says it is looking at potential new safety requirements for lithium-ion batteries and consumer products containing them.
In an email to Daily Hive, Health Canada says there is “broad support for the introduction of mandatory safety requirements.” At the same time, international harmonization, costs to industry and transition timelines are other key considerations.
The proposed rules would not directly apply to e-bikes and e-scooters, though. Health Canada says those devices are considered vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and are therefore excluded. Certain replacement lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and other micromobility devices could still fall under the proposed rules.
“Should a regulatory path be pursued, stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed regulations when they are published in Canada Gazette, Part I,” says Health Canada.
For now, fire departments are urging Canadians to take precautions when using and charging items with lithium-ion batteries.
Residents should use the battery and charger approved for their device, avoid modifying batteries, keep them away from extreme heat, and don’t use batteries that show signs of damage, swelling, leaking, overheating or unusual odours.
Fire officials also warn individuals against charging an e-bike, e-scooter or other battery-powered device on a bed, couch or under a pillow. Instead, look for a hard, flat surface away from anything that can catch fire.
Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information on lithium-ion battery safety.