The Fire Marshal of Ontario, Jon Pegg, is raising awareness among the public regarding the dangers of lithium-ion batteries which are increasingly popular in everyday gadgets.
Pegg has highlighted a concerning trend of a sharp increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires across the province, especially in common household devices such as phones, power tools, e-bikes, and scooters. The primary reason behind these fires is the overheating of the batteries.
Explaining the risks, Pegg noted, “Lithium-ion batteries differ from regular batteries. When they malfunction, they can trigger a rapid chain reaction leading to a fierce fire that spreads quickly, emits harmful smoke, and makes escaping difficult.”
In Toronto alone, incidents have surged by 160% over the past three years, with 40 cases reported in 2025.
Pegg emphasized that lithium-ion battery fires pose a significant challenge to fire services but can be prevented by adhering to basic safety precautions.
He stressed the vital importance of safe charging practices and strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines, stating, “Always use the original charger and battery provided with the device – avoid substituting them with uncertified or generic alternatives. The devices and batteries are designed to function together; using other chargers or batteries compromises safety features and significantly raises the risk of failure.”
Additional safety tips include unplugging fully charged devices, shielding batteries from weather and water exposure, and refraining from altering or interfering with the batteries.
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