WATCH: E-bike bursts into flames, fire chief issues warning

Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop has issued a stark warning after an e-bike spontaneously combusted outside a Toronto residence, an incident captured on video.

The footage shows the e-bike erupting in flames, followed by multiple secondary explosions. These explosions propelled molten pieces of the lithium-ion battery into the air, creating dangerous projectiles. Chief Jessop shared the video on X, noting that firefighters are encountering these types of fires with alarming frequency.

Jessop highlighted the unique challenges these fires pose, including "flying battery cells, toxic smoke, and extreme smoke." He emphasized that these incidents present a significant hazard to emergency responders.

E-bike fires have become a recurring issue for Toronto Fire crews, occurring in various locations from apartment balconies to public transit. Earlier this month, an e-bike battery fire in a high-rise sent three people to the hospital. Two years ago, a similar incident on a TTC subway train led to smoke and flames, resulting in a ban on lithium-ion battery-powered devices on trains during winter months.

Toronto Fire officials state that lithium-ion batteries can ignite due to several factors. These include using incompatible parts, employing chargers not recommended by the manufacturer, overcharging devices, or tampering with batteries to increase charge, power, or speed. Altering a battery's intended state can make it dangerous. Residents are advised to watch for unusual odors, smoke, or rapid heating of the device or battery, and to dispose of batteries at approved sites.

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firefighters are facing these far too frequently and they present unique challenges-flying battery cells, toxic smoke, extreme smoke as examples