Edmonton firefighters warn lithium-ion battery risks after downtown fire caused by e-bike

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) is warning the public of the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after a downtown apartment fire Wednesday.

EFRS says the batteries, which are increasingly popular in household gadgets like power tools, laptops, smartphones, e-bikes, etc. can be destructive when not handled properly.

“When a lithium-ion battery starts on fire, it’s aggressive, explosive, and you need to just get out of there and let the firefighters come in and do what they’re going to do,” Lallemand said.

EFRS recommends proper storage, recharging and disposal of batteries to prevent explosions.

“They’re just not igniting out of nowhere,” Justin Lallemand, assistant deputy chief, Fire Prevention & Investigations at EFRS. “There’s usually a form of improper charging, improper handling.”

The warning comes following Wednesday’s incident that sent two people to hospital — including one person jumped from the sixth floor — and forced 80 residents to evacuate was sparked by a e-bike battery.

EFRS said it responded to eight fires involving lithium-ion batteries last year.

Jamie Merritt, service technician at Mud, Sweat and Gears, an e-bike retailer also advises buying quality products.

“It’s important to make sure that the product you purchase has gone through those certifications and those (tests), and you’re buying from a reputable resource that you know that that product is safe,” Merritt explained.

EFRS Do’s and Don’ts of batteries

• Not charging devices overnight.
• Only using the correct battery and its specific battery charger and not modifying any equipment.
• Not charging electronic devices longer than necessary.
• Not charging electronic devices in entryways, or where a battery fire might block your exit.
• Not putting lithium-ion batteries or devices with internal batteries in the garbage. These items can cause fires when they go through collection and processing, putting staff and facilities at significant risk.
• Drop them off at an Eco Station or participating retailer for safe, easy recycling at no cost