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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Surge in Lithium Ion Battery Fires Prompts Legal Changes
The Ontario government has announced plans to amend laws in response to a significant rise in lithium ion battery fires, which have become a critical safety issue in Toronto and across the province. The move comes as officials highlight the dangers posed by batteries used to power e-bikes and e-scooters, with more than 100 incidents reported in Toronto so far this year.
Fire Chief Cites Escalating Risks
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop labeled the situation the city's "greatest and most evolving public safety risk." In his 2025 annual report to City Council, Jessop noted that lithium ion battery fires have increased by 214 per cent over three years. He emphasized the challenges faced by firefighters, including explosions that can occur when batteries fail during apartment search operations. "We’ve had fatalities, we’ve had critical injuries," Jessop stated, referring to recent incidents where batteries exploded while crews were inside apartments.
Understanding the Dangers of Battery Failure
Fire officials warn that malfunctioning lithium ion batteries can cause thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction resulting in rapid overheating, explosions, and projectiles. This risk is heightened by improper storage and the lack of regulations around battery use and modification, especially within residential buildings.
Ford Government Responds with Legislative Action
On Thursday, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner announced the Ford government will introduce two legal amendments aimed at reducing fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters. The first change is a fire code amendment preventing owners from modifying batteries to increase the speed of their electric bikes or scooters. The second amendment will ban owners from storing e-bikes and e-scooters in apartment hallways. "We want to make sure that people do not modify batteries for an unintended purpose or juice them up. We want to make sure that a battery that has been certified is used for the purpose that it is," said Kerzner.
Province-Wide Rise in Battery Fire Incidents
The Ontario fire marshal’s office has noted a sharp increase in lithium ion battery-related fires across the province. As these batteries become more widespread and power a growing number of household devices—from electric bikes and scooters to laptops, phones, and portable chargers—officials emphasize the importance of regulation and public safety awareness to prevent further incidents.
Implementation Timeline
The new laws are expected to come into effect in 2027. Officials hope the amendments will help curb the increasing number of fires, injuries, and fatalities linked to lithium ion battery failures, particularly in high-density residential environments.
Source: toronto.citynews.ca.
