In a stark revelation, Toronto’s Fire Chief, Matthew Pegg, has sounded the alarm on the escalating dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. The urgency of his warning comes in the wake of a recent incident where an e-bike battery triggered a blaze inside a subway train on New Year’s Eve, shedding light on the rapid and intense nature of fires sparked by faulty batteries. This incident serves as a potent reminder that the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries is not without its risks.
Videos circulating on social media captured the frightening scene inside a Toronto subway train as flames engulfed a train car, prompting swift action from fire crews. Chief Pegg confirmed that the fire originated from the failure of a lithium-ion battery powering an e-bike, emphasizing the immediate threat such incidents pose to individuals in the vicinity.
Everybody “get out, get out” was call by @TTC staffers. They deserve a major pat on back. Excellent response. @ChiefPeggTFS and his @Torontofire1 team as well. It was not an easy fire to put out as e-bike battery blazes usually are. One man was injured. pic.twitter.com/LrTwA2jKiq
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) January 1, 2024
Chief Pegg highlighted a concerning trend in Toronto, citing a notable increase in fires caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries. In 2023 alone, there were 55 such incidents, a substantial jump from the 29 fires recorded in 2022. While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Chief Pegg urged context, noting that over 1,600 fires occurred in the city last year, underscoring the need for heightened awareness without inducing panic.
Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in our daily lives, powering electric cars, e-bikes, laptops, cellphones, and various other electronic devices. Chief Pegg emphasized the difficulty in investigating incidents involving these batteries, as the fires often obliterate the evidence. Factors such as modifications to the battery or its charger, unsafe operation of electric devices, and the use of unapproved or uncertified batteries were identified as potential causes for these fires.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Chief Pegg revealed that one person sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the New Year’s Eve subway fire. This incident follows a pattern of similar occurrences, including an e-bike fire in a residential building last October and a fire in a Toronto Community Housing building earlier that month.
The challenge posed by lithium-ion battery fires is not unique to Toronto. In New York City, a tragic incident resulted in one fatality and six injuries attributed to an e-bike battery fire in an apartment. This event followed another lithium-ion battery-related fire that claimed the lives of three family members in the city just three weeks prior.
As the prevalence of lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, so does the urgency of addressing the associated risks. Chief Pegg’s warning serves as a call to action for increased vigilance, responsible use of electronic devices, and stringent adherence to safety guidelines. The evolving landscape of battery-powered technologies demands a proactive approach to mitigate potential dangers and safeguard communities from the devastating consequences of lithium-ion battery fires.
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