Fires and explosions occur when the batteries are damaged, are not charged or used properly, or have not been manufactured to proper safety standards.

The internal chemical reactions that happen in these conditions lead to thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway results when the 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 appear similar 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. 

Only use 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.
• Charge your batteries before they die. Ideally you shouldn’t let lithium-ion batteries fall below a 20% charge.
• 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.

• Keep batteries at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
• Don’t store batteries in hot vehicles.
• Ideally batteries should be kept between 0 and 40 degrees Celcius.
• 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: Because of the way the batteries are encased and the toxic nature of the gases, do not try to put them out. The battery 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. Remember, never leave your batteries charging near your exits.

Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the garbage and do not store discarded batteries in piles.

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.

You can bring your batteries to one of The City of Calgary’s Eco Centres, free of charge, or visit Recycleyourbatteries.ca for more recycling locations.

If you have e-mobility batteries to recycle, you can find recycling depots here.

Handle damaged lithium-ion batteries carefully!

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.