‘Growing safety concern’: Southeast Edmonton townhouse fire caused by lithium-ion battery malfunction
Posted September 8, 2026 12:58 pm.
Last Updated September 8, 2026 2:54 pm.
A fire at a townhouse in southeast Edmonton on Tuesday morning was caused by a lithium-ion battery malfunction and did nearly half a million dollars in damage.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) says 11 people were displaced because of the blaze at the townhouse on 46 Street and 21 Avenue. They are being assisted by the City of Edmonton’s emergency support response team.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters first arrived on scene at 2:35 a.m., and a second-alarm fire was called to bring in more units. Forty firefighters were on scene at the height of the fire.
The flames were brought under control at 4:08 a.m. and the fire was officially declared out at 9:06 a.m.
It did an estimated $470,000 in property damage.
EFRS says it’s the 20th fire this year caused by a lithium-ion battery, calling it a “growing safety concern across North America.” Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in smartphones, laptops and power tools.
“Although currently less frequent than some of our other leading causes of fires, lithium-ion battery fires are extremely dangerous to residents and property and are a rapidly growing concern for the fire service,” said Deputy Fire Chief Graeme McAlister.
“Fire moves fast. From the first sign of a problem, you could have less than a minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire. The best way to be safe is to understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and to always practice caution with them.”
Edmonton firefighters are warning people to always use manufacturer-certified batteries and chargers, and avoid charging devices overnight. They also recommend against charging devices in entryways, hallways or near doors where an active fire could block an exit.
