Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is cautioning residents against overcharging lithium-ion batteries following a recent fire incident that destroyed two homes in Richmond. Emergency responders were called to Pelham Crescent due to a house engulfed in flames just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. The homeowner had heard a popping sound from the garage, where they discovered smoke and flames upon investigation. Firefighters managed to control the blaze by around 3:20 p.m., but it had already spread to a neighboring home, displacing its residents.
The fire was determined to have been ignited by a lithium-ion drill battery that was being charged on top of a fridge in the garage. This marked the second fire caused by such batteries in Ottawa this year, with the first incident involving a dog chewing through a ski glove heated by a similar battery in January. In response to these events, OFS has issued a safety advisory due to the increasing concern over battery-related fires.
OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee highlighted that there have been approximately 60 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in Ottawa since 2022. Labbee emphasized the ubiquity of these batteries in daily life, pointing out that they power various household items like laptops, electric toothbrushes, and even salt and pepper shakers. Despite their prevalence, the explosive nature of lithium-ion batteries necessitates careful handling by consumers to avoid accidents.
Labbee stressed the importance of promptly unplugging fully charged batteries to prevent overcharging, which can lead to explosions. Signs that a battery may be hazardous include hissing, expanding, or emitting unusual odors. Furthermore, Ontario’s fire marshal cautioned against charging batteries in freezing conditions, as this can cause damage.
Labbee highlighted that lithium-ion battery fires produce significantly more carbon monoxide than fires fueled by traditional accelerants like gasoline. Due to the chemicals present in the batteries, extinguishing these fires with water is challenging. Labbee likened the process to a trick candle that reignites when blown out.
Unlike conventional alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer higher voltage for increased effectiveness. However, their energy density also makes them more prone to explosions. Yaser Abu-Lebdeh from the National Research Council Canada explained that tampering with or overcharging lithium-ion batteries can cause them to heat up, release toxic gases, catch fire, and explode due to a self-fueling chain reaction.
While safer versions of lithium-ion batteries are not yet available, Abu-Lebdeh mentioned ongoing developments focusing on alternatives with less flammable components. He expressed optimism about the imminent commercialization of these safer battery options through continuous breakthroughs in research and technology.