Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is urging residents not to overcharge lithium-ion batteries after a fire recently destroyed two homes in Richmond. Batteries 'power everything'OFS fire prevention officer Leanne Labbee says there have been at least 60 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in Ottawa since 2022. - Leanne Labbee, Ottawa Fire ServicesA lithium-ion battery fire produces 10 times more carbon monoxide than a fire fuelled by an accelerant such as gasoline, according to Labbee. A surge in lithium-ion battery useUnlike traditional alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries have a higher voltage which makes them more effective. While there is no safer version of lithium-ion batteries on the market yet, Abu-Lebdeh says alternatives with less flammable components are in development.

Source: CBC News February 28, 2026 19:34 UTC