Significant Fire Event Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries

On Saturday, Sept. 5, at approximately 5 a.m., Belleville Fire and Emergency Services responded to a report of a residential structure fire in the 100 block of Moira Street West.  Upon arrival, fire crews were met with a heavy fire coming from the front entrance of a multi-unit residential building.  Two residents within the fire unit were extricated by fire personnel.

The fire was investigated by the Office of the Fire Marshal in conjunction with the local fire prevention and police personnel.  The cause of the fire has been deemed electrical in nature, involving lithium-ion batteries.

Belleville Fire Chief Dan Smith would like to remind residents of the following fire safety tips:

• Make sure every level of your home has working smoke alarms
• Keep stairwells and access to exits clear at all times
• Plan your escape and know your meeting place

Additionally, Belleville Fire and Emergency Services would like to share the following lithium-ion battery fire safety tips:

• Use only chargers and batteries compatible with the device you are charging
• Do not leave any lithium-ion device on a charger unattended
• Do not attempt to charge damaged or swollen batteries
• Do not store e-bikes or mobility devices where they will impede access to exits

This is the second lithium-ion fire that has caused critical injuries.

“This devastating loss is part of the tragic pattern of lithium-ion powered devices becoming extreme fire hazards that we’re seeing across the province,” said Fire Marshal, Jon Pegg. “These incidents are happening more frequently right across Ontario, both urban and rural, no matter the size of the community. When using a lithium-ion battery, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation of the device. Using replacement chargers and batteries not specified by the manufacturer, or using aftermarket or third-party chargers and batteries, is a fire safety risk. I need everyone in Ontario to take the matter seriously as your life depends on it.”

As we keep the families affected by this fire in our thoughts, Belleville Fire and Emergency Services encourages all residents to practice their home fire escape plans and practice extreme care when utilizing devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.