Ontario to Amend Laws Addressing Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks
New provincial regulations will target battery modifications and storage in apartment buildings.
1Escalating Public Safety Crisis
Toronto fire officials have identified lithium-ion batteries as the city's greatest public safety risk. Data from Chief Jim Jessop’s 2025 report indicates that fires linked to these power sources have surged by 214 per cent over the last three years. This rapid increase has prompted urgent calls for stricter provincial oversight.
2Thermal Runaway and Explosions
When these batteries fail, they enter a dangerous state known as thermal runaway. This chemical chain reaction triggers rapid overheating, intense explosions, and unpredictable projectiles. Firefighters report that these devices often explode while they are inside apartments conducting primary searches, creating extremely hazardous conditions for first responders during emergency rescue operations.
3Legislative Response from Government
The Ford government announced plans to amend two specific provincial laws to mitigate these fire hazards. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner confirmed that the changes aim to stop unauthorized battery modifications and restrict the storage of e-bikes and e-scooters in apartment hallways. These measures are designed to ensure certified equipment remains safe.
4Targeting Battery Modification Practices
A primary focus of the new legislation is preventing owners from modifying batteries to increase the speed of their electric bikes and scooters. Officials emphasize that batteries must be used only for their intended, certified purposes. By banning these unauthorized adjustments, the government hopes to reduce the frequency of battery-related ignition events.
5Apartment Hallway Storage Restrictions
The second legal change will effectively ban the storage of e-bikes and e-scooters within apartment hallways. This measure addresses the high density of flammable devices in residential buildings, which complicates evacuation and firefighting efforts. Restricting storage locations is a critical step in preventing fire spread within multi-unit residential properties across Ontario.
6Province-Wide Safety Concerns
While Toronto has experienced over 100 fires this year alone, the Ontario fire marshal’s office reports that the trend is rising sharply across the entire province. The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries in various household devices, including laptops, phones, and portable chargers, has expanded the scope of the potential fire safety challenges.
7Implementation Timeline for Regulations
The provincial government has confirmed that these new legal amendments are expected to take effect in 2027. This timeline provides a window for public awareness and industry adjustment before the stricter fire codes become enforceable. Authorities are prioritizing these changes to curb the evolving threat posed by malfunctioning battery-powered consumer electronics.
8Impact on Future Safety Standards
These legislative actions represent a significant shift in how Ontario manages modern fire risks associated with personal mobility devices. By focusing on both user behavior and storage protocols, the government aims to reduce fatalities and critical injuries. The success of these measures will depend on compliance and the ongoing evolution of technology.
Original article: CityNews Toronto — Ontario to Amend Laws Addressing Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks