Condo Living

June 3, 2025 Published by London and Area Chapter - By Kristi Sargeant-Kerr

Protecting Your Community From Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

From the CCI Review 2024/2025-2 December 2024—February 2025 issue of the CCI London Chapter

In past e-blasts we’ve discussed electric cars and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations (check out our March 2024 e-blast and December 2022 e-blast), but other kinds of electric vehicles, such as scooters and bicycles, are also becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas. Approximately 70,000 e-bikes were sold in Canada in 2022, and this number is projected to increase to over 100,000 annually by 2025.

Unlike electric cars, which generally require a specialized charging station to charge quickly and reliably, e-bikes and e-scooters can be charged in a standard wall outlet, which means that many people charge them inside their homes or garages. We strongly recommend that Corporations consider implementing a rule regarding how and where residents can charge e-scooters and e-bikes to reduce the risk of fire.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

According to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, lithium-ion batteries are a rising cause of fires. In addition to being used in electric vehicles, they are also found in many household items, including cellphones, laptops, and hand tools. These batteries can cause fires when they experience “thermal runaway,” which is the result of overcharging, misusing, or damaging them. Batteries that have been improperly disposed of have even caused fires in garbage trucks.

The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs describes thermal runaway as “when a battery generates more heat than it can release to its surroundings, and so this excessive heat causes a reaction, which then causes even more heat, and it creates a cycle that can lead to fires or explosions.”

Under the Ontario Fire Code, homes in Ontario must have fire alarms on every level of the dwelling, including basements, and outside all sleeping areas. In the event of a fire, residents should not attempt to put it out, but should evacuate, closing doors as they leave the building, and call 911.

Proper Storage and Use

To reduce the risk of fire, here are some safety recommendations from the National Fire Chiefs Council:

• Follow manufacturer instructions when charging
• Do not attempt to modify batteries or other electrical components
• No unsupervised charging, including while sleeping
• Do not cover charger or batteries while charging
• Do not charge or store near combustible materials
• Do not overload electrical outlets or use an extension cord
• Do not store in areas that are excessively hot, cold, or wet
• Do not dispose of damaged batteries and other electrical components with your regular household waste

The City of London has three Enviro Depots where batteries (and number of other waste items) can be dropped off free of charge for safe and proper disposal.

Consult the Professionals

Be sure to reach out to your local fire safety professionals with any questions about fire safety and prevention, and contact your legal team to discuss implementing a rule regarding how and where residents can charge e-scooters and e-bikes.

Kristi Sargeant-Kerr, LL.B., LCCI is a partner with Scott Petrie LLP specializes in all aspects of condominium and real estate law, including development, management and litigation and purchase, sale and mortgaging of condominiums. She has extensive experience working with managers and corporations in and around the region and prides herself on finding reasonable solutions to their complex issues.

Kristi is the Secretary on the local CCI Board of Directors and is a diligent participant in the Education Committee, regularly contributes to the quarterly CCI Review and presents on various relevant and timely condominium related topics.

She has also been appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO).

Kristi is also a dedicated volunteer who prides herself on working with local non-profit organizations to better the lives of women and children. These volunteer commitments compliment her dedication.