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 crews were dispatched to Pelham Crescent after reports of a house engulfed in flames just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. Prior to their arrival, the homeowner heard a popping noise emanating from the garage, leading to the discovery of smoke and flames along the wall upon opening the garage door, as per OFS spokesperson Nick DeFazio.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze by around 3:20 p.m., but not before it had spread to a neighboring home, displacing its residents. OFS later determined that the fire had been ignited by a lithium-ion drill battery charging on top of a fridge in the garage. This was not the first such incident in Ottawa this year, with a similar case occurring in January involving a heated ski glove chewed by a dog.
These occurrences prompted OFS to issue a safety advisory as concerns over battery fires escalate.
According to OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee, there have been approximately 60 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in Ottawa since 2022. Labbee emphasized the prevalence of these batteries in modern households, powering various devices like laptops, electric toothbrushes, and even household items like salt and pepper shakers.
Despite their ubiquity, the explosive nature of lithium-ion batteries necessitates careful handling by consumers. OFS advises promptly unplugging fully charged batteries to avoid overcharging, which can result in explosions. Warning signs of potential battery hazards include hissing sounds, expansion, or unusual odors.
Ontario’s fire marshal highlighted the risk of charging batteries in freezing conditions, such as in a garage, which can lead to damage.
Labbee cautioned that lithium-ion battery fires emit significantly more carbon monoxide compared to fires fueled by accelerants like gasoline, making them challenging to extinguish with water due to the battery’s chemical composition.
Yaser Abu-Lebdeh, leading the battery materials innovation team at National Research Council Canada, explained the propensity of lithium-ion batteries to heat up, especially when tampered with or overcharged, leading to the release of toxic gases and potential fires.
While no safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries is currently available, Abu-Lebdeh mentioned ongoing developments for alternatives with less flammable components nearing commercialization.
The surge in lithium-ion battery use, driven by their higher voltage and energy density, poses an increased risk of explosion, as highlighted by experts in the field. Despite the inherent risks, ongoing research aims to enhance the safety features of lithium-ion batteries to mitigate potential hazards.
