Fires and explosions can occur when batteries are damaged, stored or disposed of improperly, misused or overcharged, or when they haven’t been manufactured to proper safety standards.

Once triggered, internal chemical reactions can happen in high-capacity batteries leading to thermal runaway. This in turn causes explosive fires that can be very hard to extinguish.

Thermal runaway occurs when a battery begins to fail and self-heat, reaching temperatures up to 537 degrees Celsius. This heat further damages the battery cell releasing flammable and toxic gases that might like smoke to smoke. As most lithium-ion batteries are made up of multiple cells, the heat can spread to other cells, causing them to heat up and fail as well, resulting in a growing fire.

In some cases, where a fire does not start immediately, flammable gases build-up and eventually cause an explosion that is strong enough to blow out windows and quickly spread fire throughout the structure.

From the first sign of a problem, you could have less than a minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire. With the speed of these fires, the best thing you can do is prevent a fire from starting. 

Buy safe: use only certified lithium-ion batteries and chargers.

Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. These powerful batteries can potentially overheat and pose a fire hazard when they are not used the right way or if they are not produced by a certified manufacturer.

Do not piece together products that do not belong together, attempt to modify batteries or use products that are not certified.

Only use the battery that is designed for the device and install the batteries as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

When looking for batteries, battery chargers and/or cords, look for the CSA or UL logo on the product or packaging to make sure it has been manufactured and tested to meet safety codes and standards.

Products that aren’t certified or labelled by an approved testing agency are more likely to become damaged, catch fire or explode! 

• Only use the charging block and cord that came with the device.
• Once a battery has charged to 100%, unplug the device. Don’t overcharge the battery.
• Don’t charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch. Place the device on a hard surface to allow airflow around the device.
• Don’t charge your batteries overnight.
• Never leave mobility devices unattended and charging in exits such as doorways and hallways. In the event of a fire, this will block your escape. Charge these devices outdoors, where possible.

Protect the terminals when storing used batteries for recycling to ensure the terminal ends don't come into direct contact with each other and cause a fire.

• Charge and store batteries in a cool, dry place. Never in hot vehicles or direct sunlight.
• Store batteries away from heating equipment or anything that can catch fire.
• Avoid crushing, bending or dropping a device and charger.

Stop using the battery if you notice: 

• odour
• change in colour
• excessive heat
• change in shape, such as swelling
• leaking
• odd noises, like hissing or popping sounds
• white or grey smoke

If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and phone 9-1-1.

Burned Lithium-ion batteries

Get away from lithium-ion battery fires fast!

Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases and burn extremely fast and hot, making them difficult to put out.

For small batteries, such as a cell phone battery: if you have a class ABC or BC fire extinguisher and are trained on using it, attempt to extinguish the fire. If you are not trained or do not have a fire extinguisher, leave your home or area and phone 9-1-1.

For larger batteries: do not try to put them out. Larger, high-capacity batteries, such as those in e-bikes and scooters, can create a large fire very quickly. You may have less than a minute to get out safely, so leave your home or area immediately and phone 9-1-1.

Ensure you have working smoke alarms in your home and a rehearsed fire escape plan so you can get out quickly. Never leave large batteries charging near your exits.

Do not put lithium-ion batteries in your blue, black or green carts. If they end up in any of the bins, the batteries can get crushed by equipment leading to fires at the recycling and composting facilities and landfill sites.

All batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, need to be separated and taken to a recycling retailer for safe handling. If they end up in any of The City of Calgary bins, the batteries can get crushed by equipment leading to fires at the recycling facility, composting facility or landfill sites.

If you have a damaged battery that is hot, looks swollen, or is punctured or is leaking, do not use it! Not all recycling retailers will accept damaged lithium-ion batteries, so make sure to drop them off at a dedicated location.