Latest news with #JimJessop
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Lithium-ion battery fires jump 162% in Toronto over 2 years, city says
The number of fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries in Toronto has more than doubled in the span of two years, the city says. From 2022 to 2024, the number of fires jumped 162 per cent, from 29 to 76, according to a city news release Monday. So far this year, Toronto Fire has responded to 43 fires, the city says. "We're seeing a concerning rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which are preventable," said Fire Chief Jim Jessop in the release. The batteries are commonly found in e-bikes, smartphones, laptops and many other electronic devices. When used correctly, lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, the city release says. But the city is reminding people that modifying or tampering with these batteries can be dangerous, saying it's a common cause of many recent fires. Additionally, battery overcharging can cause overheating, sometimes leading to a process called thermal runaway, said Marla Friebe, deputy fire chief of community risk reduction. "When these batteries go into thermal runaway, they are almost impossible to put out," Friebe said firefighters have to keep the fire from spreading by cooling it while they wait for the battery to self-extinguish. Friebe says the Toronto Fire Service would like to see more regulation and is asking people to refrain from purchasing devices that contain lithium-ion batteries online or second-hand, particularly bigger devices like e-bikes. The reminder comes as Toronto Fire kick-starts its second annual campaign aimed at educating people on the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. There are a few things users can do to reduce the risk of a fire, the city says, aside from not tinkering with the batteries. People should only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers and keep them in sight while they charge, the city says. Should users notice anything out of the ordinary with a battery — strange odours, discolouration, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises — the city says they should stop using it and contact the manufacturer. Old or damaged lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of at city drop-off depots, the city says.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Yahoo
Officials urge proper lithium-ion battery use after 'concerning rise' in fires
Toronto Fire has launched a second public safety campaign to raise awareness about the growing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. In 2024, firefighters responded to 76 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, a 38% increase from 2023 (55 fires) and a 162% increase compared to 2022 (29 fires). This year, Toronto Fire has already responded to 43 blazes caused by lithium-ion batteries, one of which was a significant high-rise fire with multiple injuries to both occupants and first responders. During the subsequent fire investigation, a large quantity of lithium-ion batteries were discovered within the affected unit and determined to have significantly contributed to the fire's growth and the amount of smoke that had spread throughout the building. 'We're seeing a concerning rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which are preventable,' said Toronto Fire general manager Chief Jim Jessop in a statement. 'This campaign is about giving residents the knowledge they need to stay safe. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility (and) together we can protect our homes, neighbours and our city. Toronto Fire Services will continue to advocate for the necessary regulatory changes to reduce this public fire safety risk in our city.' TTC board postpones vote on proposed e-bike ban during winter Canada Post worker helps save woman from fiery Tesla crash Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, including smartphones, laptops, e-bikes and toys, and are generally safe, but can become dangerous if damaged, tampered with or improperly charged. Many of the recent fires were caused by attempts to modify or extend the life of the batteries. — Keep the lithium-ion battery in sight while charging; — Never tamper with or modify a battery; — Only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers; — Stop using a lithium-ion battery and contact the manufacturer if there are any of the following problem signs: Strange odours, discolouration, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
Toronto Sun
07-07-2025
- Toronto Sun
Officials urge proper lithium-ion battery use after 'concerning rise' in fires
Toronto Fire responded to 76 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in 2024, a 38% jump from 2023 Toronto Fire has launched a public safety campaign to raise awareness about the growing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Photo by iStock / GETTY IMAGES Toronto Fire has launched a second public safety campaign to raise awareness about the growing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In 2024, firefighters responded to 76 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, a 38% increase from 2023 (55 fires) and a 162% increase compared to 2022 (29 fires). This year, Toronto Fire has already responded to 43 blazes caused by lithium-ion batteries, one of which was a significant high-rise fire with multiple injuries to both occupants and first responders. During the subsequent fire investigation, a large quantity of lithium-ion batteries were discovered within the affected unit and determined to have significantly contributed to the fire's growth and the amount of smoke that had spread throughout the building. 'We're seeing a concerning rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which are preventable,' said Toronto Fire general manager Chief Jim Jessop in a statement. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'This campaign is about giving residents the knowledge they need to stay safe. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility (and) together we can protect our homes, neighbours and our city. Toronto Fire Services will continue to advocate for the necessary regulatory changes to reduce this public fire safety risk in our city.' Read More Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, including smartphones, laptops, e-bikes and toys, and are generally safe, but can become dangerous if damaged, tampered with or improperly charged. Many of the recent fires were caused by attempts to modify or extend the life of the batteries. Some key safety tips: — Keep the lithium-ion battery in sight while charging; — Never tamper with or modify a battery; — Only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers; — Stop using a lithium-ion battery and contact the manufacturer if there are any of the following problem signs: Strange odours, discolouration, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Columnists Toronto Blue Jays Sunshine Girls World Canada
CBC
07-07-2025
- CBC
Lithium-ion battery fires jump 162% in Toronto over 2 years, city says
The number of fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries in Toronto has more than doubled in the span of two years, the city says. Between 2022 and 2024 the number of fires jumped 162 per cent, from 29 to 76, according to a city news release Monday. So far this year, Toronto Fire has responded to 43 fires, the city says. "We're seeing a concerning rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which are preventable," said Fire Chief Jim Jessop in the release. The batteries are commonly found in e-bikes, smartphones, laptops and many other electronic devices. When used correctly, lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, the city release says. But the city is reminding people that modifying or tampering with these batteries can be dangerous, saying it's a common cause of many recent fires. The reminder comes as Toronto Fire kick-starts its second annual campaign aimed at educating people on the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. There are a few things users can do to reduce the risk of a fire, the city says, aside from not tinkering with the batteries. People should only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers and keep them in sight while they charge, the city says. Should users notice anything out of the ordinary with a battery — strange odours, discolouration, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises — the city says they should stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
CTV News
07-07-2025
- CTV News
Battery fires increasing in Toronto: city
Fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in Toronto are on the rise, the city says. Toronto saw a 38 per cent jump in fires related to the common power source last year, with 76 related fires in 2024 versus 55 in 2023. In 2022, there were 29 fires. Seven months into 2025, Toronto Fire Services say they have already responded to 43 battery fires this year. 'We're seeing a concerning rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which are preventable,' Chief Jim Jessop said in a news release issued Monday, as the city launched its second annual 'This is Your Warning' public safety campaign to raise awareness about battery fires. 'This campaign is about giving residents the knowledge they need to stay safe. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, together we can protect our homes, neighbours and our city.' One of the fires crews responded to this year involved what the city described as a 'significant' highrise fire, which resulted in multiple injuries to both occupants and first responders. A subsequent investigation found a 'large quantity' of lithium-ion batteries were inside the affected unit and 'significantly contributed to the fire's growth and extent of smoke spread throughout the building.' In early 2024, an e-bike battery failed on a TTC subway train and burst into flames, sending thick black smoke billowing through the train and had passengers running for safety. The bike's owner was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The city says lithium-ion batteries are 'generally' safe and power things like e-bikes, smartphones, laptops and toys. However, they warned that the batteries can become dangerous if damaged, tampered with or improperly stored. 'Many of the recent fires were caused by attempts to modify or extend the life of the batteries,' the city said. To make sure you're using your battery safely, the city advises: Keep the lithium-ion battery in sight while charging Never tamper with or modify a battery Only use certified, manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers Stop using the lithium-ion battery and contact the manufacturer if there are any of the following problem signs: strange odours, discolouration, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises You can dispose of your old or damaged batteries at a city drop off depot here.
