County of Brant Fire Department charges into Fire Prevention Week with battery safety message

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The County of Brant Fire Department is using Fire Prevention Week 2025 to shine a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing fire risks in Ontario homes — lithium-ion batteries.

This year’s national theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” was chosen after the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) acknowledged a sharp rise in lithium-ion battery-related fires.

“With lithium-ion batteries powering everything from smartphones and e-bikes to power tools and toys, these devices are now part of everyday life in most homes,” said Lisa Hiebert, Fire Prevention Officer for the County of Brant Fire Department. “Unfortunately, their widespread use has also led to an increase in fire incidents — especially when batteries are damaged, improperly charged, or paired with aftermarket charging cables that don’t meet safety standards.”

Hiebert said many people would be surprised by how many household items contain lithium-ion batteries. “Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries,” she said. “In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.”

The Fire Department is encouraging residents to be careful when buying new products. “Buy only listed products,” Hiebert said. “When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards. Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.”

She added that misuse during charging is one of the greatest risks. “If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode,” she said.

To stay safe, Hiebert recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions and sticking with approved chargers. “Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved,” she said.

Devices should always be charged on a hard surface, not on couches, beds or under pillows where heat can build up. “Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged,” Hiebert said.

Brant firefighters have already seen the danger first-hand. “In the County of Brant, we’ve seen how lithium-ion batteries can pose serious fire risks. In one recent case, a rechargeable power tool battery failed while charging, leading to a fire that caused significant damage. The investigation confirmed the battery as the ignition source,” Hiebert said.

Hiebert stressed that damaged or dead batteries must never be thrown in the garbage or placed in blue bins. “Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire,” she said. “Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.”

For households, there are red flags to watch for. “If a lithium-ion battery device is smoking, swelling, or producing a noticeable odour, stop using it,” Hiebert said. “If safe to do so, turn off the power source, evacuate the area and call 911. These batteries can fail quickly and dangerously — don’t try to handle or cool them yourself.”

She added that overheating chargers are also a warning sign of potential failure. “Excessive heat from chargers can be an early warning sign of failure, electrical damage or overcharging — both of which can lead to thermal runaway and fire. If this happens, unplug and replace it with a manufacturer-approved version. Using aftermarket chargers increases the risk of overheating and fire.”

Proper storage also plays a role in safety. “Devices should be stored away from heat sources or direct sunlight, out of freezing conditions, not while actively charging, in a dry, well-ventilated area and away from flammable materials,” Hiebert said.

To raise awareness, the County of Brant Fire Prevention Team and local firefighters will be out in the community during Fire Prevention Week. Events include:

Saturday, Oct. 4 – EarlyOn Touch-a-Truck, 10 a.m. to noon, Green Lane Sports Complex, Paris

Friday, Oct. 10 – Windmill Country Market, 10 a.m. to noon, Mount Pleasant

Saturday, Oct. 11 – Burford Fair, noon to 4 p.m.

“Beyond sharing this important theme and fire safety information through social media, we also discuss lithium-ion safety during all our community presentations throughout the year,” Hiebert said.

As lithium-ion batteries continue to power everything from backyard tools to children’s toys, Hiebert said awareness is key. “Fire Prevention Week is about more than just awareness — it’s about practical steps families can take today to reduce their risk,” she said. “With lithium-ion batteries now everywhere in our homes, the key is using them wisely and safely.”