Statement on the fire safety risks of lithium-ion batteries

Toronto Fire Chief Joins Councillor Alejandra Bravo in Call for Action on Fire Safety Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries

TORONTO – On Thursday morning, Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop joined the Chair of Toronto's Economic and Community Development Committee, Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Ward 9 – Davenport), at City Hall in support of Councillor Bravo’s motion calling for greater regulation of lithium-ion batteries.

“This is the fastest-growing fire safety threat in Toronto,” said Chief Jessop. “Right now, there is no regulation for the type of batteries you can order online and put into a mobility device – they can be damaged, they can be overcharged. And once the batteries go into thermal runway there’s only 90 seconds before a room or a subway car can be engulfed in toxic smoke.”

Fires connected to lithium-ion batteries have increased by nearly 600 percent in Toronto from 2020 to 2024. As of September, Toronto already experienced 68 fires related to lithium-ion batteries in 2025, 39 of which were connected to batteries in mobile devices like e-bikes and e- scooters.

“We need strong regulation from our Federal and Provincial government partners – not just guidelines,” said Councillor Bravo, who has submitted a member motion on this subject for Council consideration. “My motion is about having City Council be on the record with the Fire Chief calling on the Province and Feds, saying we need action now. The market has changed quickly, and regulation hasn’t kept up.”

The Federal Government is responsible for regulation regarding the supply and import of unrelated and uncertified lithium-ion batteries, and devices that contain them. Through the Ontario Fire Code, the Province has jurisdiction over rules around storage of devices indoors and charging infrastructure.

“This isn’t just a Toronto problem – it’s happening in metro cities across North America. I’ve spoken with other fire chiefs, and we know that people need to come together who can take action on regulation.”

The Member Motion Mitigating Fire Risks with Strong Lithium-Ion Battery Regulation from Councillor Bravo will be considered by Toronto City Council this afternoon. Advocacy groups including Cycle Toronto have echoed the call for greater regulation and expressed support for the Councillor’s member motion.