'Manipulated' lithium-battery devices the leading cause of fire deaths in Vancouver
While the electric revolution continues gaining momentum, led by lithium-powered e-bikes and e-scooters, so too does a disturbing trend of devastating fires.
“We’ve had over 20 lithium-ion battery fires in 2022,” said fire prevention officer Dave Meers of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS).
“Five of those have been fire deaths. Those are huge, huge numbers.”
Officials say lithium-ion-battery-caused fires have increased 500 per cent since 2016. Meers says the fires spread fast, posing multiple safety risks.
“A process happens called thermal runaway, whether they (the batteries) start an explosive fire and they actually release a lot of toxic gasses,” said Meers. “That sometimes gets missed in these conversations.”
He says in his experience, lithium-ion-battery-powered devices have rarely caused fires when used and stored properly. However, the emerging trend of modifying chargers and batteries has dramatically increased the fire risk.
“They do start fires when they’ve been manipulated,” said Meers. “Don’t tamper with it or modify it.”
A quick search on YouTube brings up a seemingly endless amount of videos in how to get more power or speed out of virtually any lithium-powered device.
Earlier this week, two fires occurred at separate Vancouver SRO buildings, linked to modified e-bike chargers.
One battery expert told CTV News that with the rise of lithium-powered products, he’s noticed a glaring issue in quality control.
“An awful lot of uncertified batteries (are) coming to the market place,” said Richard Granholm, president of Battery World.
“Buy from a reputable dealer.”
He says he’s seen third-party batteries causing issues in products including e-bikes. One customer, he says, tried bringing in a modified e-bike to his store to request help with the battery. He refused, based on liability with the manipulated battery. He claims the battery exploded in the parking lot.
“It was like roman candles going off,” said Granholm. “A lot of people are opening them up, replacing cells, which isn’t really a great idea.”
With the majority of lithium-ion-battery-caused fires occurring in SROs, VFRS is launching an awareness campaign to educate tenants of the dangers in using and storing e-bikes, e-scooters and similar items.
Some tips include charging and storing the items away from anything that can catch fire and to keep the batteries at room temperature. Also, VFRS strongly discourages anyone from modifying their own devices.
Meers also suggests if the problem persists, a change to the fire code could be on the table.
“Something we could say is these items need to be charged outside or in a secure area,” said Meers, admitting he was speaking hypothetically.
He says other fire departments in major cities across North America are grappling with a similar issue, and believes more regulation on manufacturing could be a possible solution if the disturbing trend continues.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
One of the two pilots aboard an airplane carrying fuel reported there was a fire on the airplane shortly before it crashed and burned outside Fairbanks, killing both people on board, a federal aviation official said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
Manitoba government tables bill to end ban on homegrown recreational cannabis
Manitoba is planning to lift its ban on the home growing of recreational cannabis.