Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is cautioning residents against overcharging lithium-ion batteries following a recent incident that led to the destruction of two homes in Richmond. Emergency crews swiftly responded to reports of a house ablaze on Pelham Crescent just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. Prior to their arrival, the homeowner heard a popping noise emanating from their garage, revealing smoke and flames upon opening the door.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze by approximately 3:20 p.m., but not before it extended to a neighboring residence, displacing its occupants. OFS investigation later revealed that the fire was initiated by a lithium-ion drill battery left charging on top of a refrigerator in the garage. This marked the second fire in Ottawa caused by such batteries this year, with the first incident occurring in January due to a dog chewing through a heated ski glove powered by a similar battery.
In light of these occurrences, OFS has issued a safety advisory as incidents involving battery fires are on the rise. OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee highlighted that there have been over 60 lithium-ion battery-related fires in Ottawa since 2022, emphasizing the ubiquitous use of these batteries in everyday household items.
Labbee illustrated the prevalence of lithium-ion battery-powered items in homes by showcasing various devices such as laptops, electric toothbrushes, and even salt and pepper shakers. Despite their widespread use, the explosive nature of these batteries necessitates careful handling. OFS stresses the importance of promptly unplugging batteries once fully charged, as overcharging can result in explosions. Signs that a battery may be on the verge of catching fire include hissing, expansion, or unusual odors.
Furthermore, Ontario’s fire marshal cautioned against charging batteries in freezing conditions, as it can cause damage. Labbee warned that lithium-ion battery fires emit significantly more carbon monoxide than fires fueled by accelerants like gasoline, making them harder to extinguish with water due to the battery’s chemical composition.
Unlike traditional alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer higher voltage and energy density, making them more efficient but also more prone to explosion. Yaser Abu-Lebdeh, leading the battery materials innovation team at National Research Council Canada, explained that tampering with or overcharging these batteries can lead to rapid overheating, releasing toxic gases and potentially causing explosions.
Abu-Lebdeh highlighted the existence of ongoing efforts to develop alternatives with less flammable components to enhance battery safety. These advancements, nearing commercialization, aim to address the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.