Toronto Fire Chief Warns of E-Bike Dangers After Scarborough Battery Blast

Scarborough Driveway Explosion Catches on Camera and Sparks Fire Chief Alarm

On Sunday morning, Toronto Fire Services responded to reports of a fire in southeast Scarborough on Mayhill Crescent, just south of Lawrence Avenue East and east of Scarborough Gold Club Road. Jessop said firefighters arrived to find a home that was “fully engulfed” in flames due to a fire that is believed to have started from a lithium-ion battery explosion that went into thermal runaway. This phenomenon occurs when a sudden rise in temperature causes a rapid, uncontrollable chain reaction that often ends in explosions.

In video footage captured by neighbouring residents and retrieved by the fire service from a dashcam, an e-bike seen a few feet away from a garage door and parked behind a vehicle appears to catch on fire in the driveway of a home. Several large explosions ensue. Black smoke can then be seen rising into the air, followed by what appears to be pieces of the e-bike exploding, with fragments scattering throughout the surrounding area.

“Yesterday an e-bike burst into flames outside a residence with lithium ion battery cells becoming dangerous projectiles. @Toronto_Fire firefighters are facing these far too frequently and they present unique challenges-flying battery cells, toxic smoke, extreme smoke as examples,Jim Jessop wrote on X. No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze on Mayhill Crescent in Scarborough. Jessop said the garage wasguttedand that the fire extended into the main floor, meaning there will need to be significant renovation and construction, noting thatthe entire house was consumed because the fire intensity of the lithium ion batteries.”

Multiple Fires Across the City and High-Rise Hospitalizations

Sunday’s blaze wasn’t the only example of an e-bike catching fire in recent days. Jessop also pointed to a fire that happened Monday morning at a highrise building on Lawrence Avenue E. According to fire chief Jim Jessop, three people were transported to hospital as a result of this fire, and residents transported to hospital reported non-life-threatening injuries. In a statement posted to X on Monday morning, Fire Chief & General Manager Jim Jessop said that crews had responded to three separate battery-related fires within 24 hours. “In 24 hrs, our crews have responded to 3 lithium-ion battery fires. These fires burn hot, fast, and can spread rapidly. Be aware of the potential risks, take them seriously, follow safety guidelines, and stay safe. It helps protect you and our first responders.”

Since monitoring began in 2022, the fire service reports seeing an increase in the amount of annual e-bike-related fires in the city. Halfway through 2025, TFS reported responding to 43 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, including one in a Toronto high-rise, where a “large quantity” of lithium-ion batteries were discovered within the unit.

Solution for displaced residents: I was deeply concerned to learn about the fire this morning, said city councillor for Scarborough Rouge Park Nathan Shan. A fire like this can be frightening and deeply unsettling for an entire building. Shan said in a social media post on Monday that his office is in contact with Toronto Community housing and will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to residents as needed.

Thermal Runaway Hazards and Transit Restrictions

Toronto’s fire chief is sounding the alarm after a dramatic e‑bike fire outside a city residence sent lithium‑ion battery cells flying like projectiles, a dangerous phenomenon firefighters say they are encountering with increasing frequency. Lithium‑ion battery fires have surged in recent years, driven by the popularity of e‑bikes, e‑scooters, and other personal mobility devices. Toronto Fire officials warn that when these batteries fail, they can enter thermal runaway, a chain reaction that causes rapid overheating, explosions, and unpredictable projectiles.

These batteries can be found in numerous household items, including smartphones, laptops, e-readers, and even some cordless vacuums, portable fans, and rechargeable flashlights. They can overheat if charged for too long or not stored properly. They can also be found in e-bikes and e-scooters, which pose significant risks. In response to a 2023 fire on a Toronto subway train, the TTC has implemented a seasonal ban on e-bikes during the winter months. Power-assisted bicycles are not permitted on TTC vehicles and property from November 15 to April 15 each year. Instead, they can be parked at or near subway station entrances, or stored in bike lockers.

Toronto Fire has repeatedly urged residents to avoid charging e‑bikes or scooters overnight, use only manufacturer‑approved chargers, keep devices away from exits and living spaces, and replace damaged or swollen batteries immediately.