A blaze that broke out this week at an Edmonton highrise forcing dozens from their houses was attributable to a lithium ion battery from an electrical bike, officers stated as they warned of a rise in these sorts of fires.
Assistant Deputy Chief Justin Lallemand of Edmonton Hearth Rescue Providers stated the residence hearth occurred Wednesday night from an electrical bike saved on a sixth-floor balcony.
Lallemand stated two individuals had been despatched to hospital and 80 individuals had been evacuated from the constructing. He added that 20 individuals haven’t been capable of return to their items.
A downtown Edmonton residence constructing sooner or later after a battery hearth. Thursday, January 15, 2026.
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“Over the previous couple of years, as lithium ion batteries grow to be extra of a typical a part of our day, we now have seen a rise in fires with these batteries because the trigger,” Lallemand stated at a information convention Friday.
He stated firefighters investigated eight fires linked to lithium-ion batteries final 12 months.
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“Whereas that quantity seems small, these fires are extraordinarily harmful to individuals and property, and might trigger challenges for our crews after they arrive to place them out.”
He stated it’s also unlawful to eliminate such batteries within the rubbish, noting that there have been 24 battery-related fires over the previous two years within the metropolis’s waste administration services.
Lallemand stated individuals ought to eliminate lithium ion batteries on the metropolis’s eco stations or retailers with the suitable recycling packages.
He additionally suggested individuals to make use of the proper batteries and their particular chargers supplied or really useful by the producer.
“Don’t cost gadgets any longer than vital and guarantee that you’re not charging them close to any exits you’d use to evacuate your own home,” he stated.
“Don’t alter or modify the batteries they’re utilizing to energy micro-mobility gadgets, energy instruments, or different battery-operated gadgets round your own home.”
Video on social media of the residence blaze on Wednesday reveals hearth engulfing the balcony, with flames and smoke taking pictures out.
Hearth officers and witnesses on scene informed native media that an individual was seen leaping off the balcony and touchdown on the cover of the constructing’s signal. She was taken to hospital in severe situation.
Lallemand stated when a lithium ion battery ignites, individuals have about one minute to clear the realm safely.
“These fires are aggressive, they’re explosive.”
© 2026 The Canadian Press
