Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is warning residents against overcharging lithium-ion batteries following a recent incident that resulted in the destruction of two homes in Richmond. Emergency responders were called to Pelham Crescent due to a house fire just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. The homeowner reported hearing a popping noise from the garage before discovering smoke and flames upon opening the door.
Firefighters managed to control the blaze by around 3:20 p.m., but not before it spread to a neighboring house, displacing its residents. OFS determined that the fire originated from a lithium-ion drill battery being charged on top of a refrigerator in the garage. This marked the second battery-caused fire in Ottawa this year, with the first occurring in January when a pet dog chewed through a ski glove powered by a similar battery.
These incidents prompted OFS to issue a safety advisory as battery-related fires are becoming a growing concern. OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee highlighted that there have been approximately 60 lithium-ion battery fires in Ottawa since 2022. Labbee emphasized the prevalence of these batteries in household items and warned that mishandling them could lead to hazardous situations.
Despite the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries, consumers are advised to handle them cautiously due to their explosive nature. Overcharging these batteries can result in explosions, and signs such as hissing, expansion, or strange odors indicate potential fire risks. Ontario’s fire marshal also cautioned against charging batteries in freezing conditions as it can cause damage.
Labbee pointed out that lithium-ion battery fires produce significantly more carbon monoxide than fires fueled by traditional accelerants like gasoline. Extinguishing these fires is challenging due to the battery’s chemical composition, as they need to burn through all their cells to self-extinguish. Labbee likened the process to a trick birthday candle that reignites when extinguished.
Lithium-ion batteries, known for their higher voltage and energy density compared to traditional batteries, are more efficient but also more prone to explosion if mishandled. Yaser Abu-Lebdeh from the National Research Council Canada explained that tampering with or overcharging these batteries can cause them to release toxic gases and eventually catch fire and explode. While safer alternatives are in development, Abu-Lebdeh mentioned ongoing advancements towards commercializing batteries with less flammable components.
