Mitigating Risk from Lithium-ion Battery Fires in Commercial Properties

Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in modern life, powering devices such as laptops, cellphones, and e-readers, as well as electric vehicles like delivery vans, automobiles, scooters, and bikes. However, the risks associated with these batteries are not well understood. A significant increase in fires related to defective or misused batteries has been observed in Toronto, with a 160% rise over the last three years and 40 cases reported in the first nine months of 2025 alone.

What Happened

The widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries has led to a growing concern about the risks of fires in commercial properties. The increase in battery-related fires in Toronto highlights the need for awareness and mitigation strategies.

Why It Matters

The risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires are significant, and commercial property owners and managers must take steps to mitigate these risks. This includes implementing proper storage and disposal procedures for batteries, as well as ensuring that employees and occupants are aware of the potential risks and know how to respond in case of a fire.

What's Next

As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, it is essential for commercial property owners and managers to stay informed about the risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them. This may involve working with fire safety experts and implementing new technologies and procedures to reduce the risk of battery-related fires.

Source: propmodo.com. Read the original story →