Fire officials in Edmonton and Lethbridge are warning residents about the risks of lithium-ion batteries as fires involving the devices increase across Canada. Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 4 through 10 this year, with its “Charge into Fire Safety” campaign focused on safer battery purchasing, charging and disposal.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) responded to 22 lithium-ion-battery-related fires so far in 2026, causing more than $2.1 million in property damage and one death. Crews responded to 16 such fires last year. Earlier this month, an e-bike battery ignited a townhouse fire that caused $470,000 in property damage.

EFRS personnel described the hazards of damaged, modified or improperly charged batteries on Friday, marking the start of the annual safety campaign. Graham McAlister, deputy fire chief of community safety and risk with EFRS, said the rise is also being seen across Canada and North America. He spoke to reporters at Fire Station No. 8 in Blatchford.

“In day-to-day life, there’s more prevalence of utilization of different mobility devices and a lot more options,” McAlister said. He said it is easy to order different chargers or buy one at a gas station, but the charger may not be the right one for the device. EFRS is also working with rental property managers to post signs about lithium-ion battery hazards.

Justin Lallemand, EFRS assistant deputy chief of fire prevention and investigations, said departments across Canada share information and best practices for dealing with batteries he described as “very explosive ... very powerful.” “This is the second year in a row lithium-ion battery fires have (become the focus of) Fire Prevention Week,” he said. Lallemand said his investigations role means he reads every report, and that modified or damaged batteries and improper charging cords are common factors in Edmonton. He said those causes are preventable through awareness and education, which can reduce the number of crews sent to fight fires.

In Lethbridge, Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) and the city are reminding residents to charge, store and recycle batteries safely. The city’s waste and recycling department says fire incidents have increased alongside use of phones, laptops, electronic bicycles, power tools and toys. Jonathan Fitzgerald, the city’s waste and environment education and outreach analyst, said a small fire broke out in a garbage truck as recently as last week. Batteries placed in collection carts can end up compacted in trucks, creating a safety risk for residents and staff, he said.

Neill O’Grady, an LFES fire prevention officer, said nearly every household has lithium-ion batteries and that damaged, overheated or improperly charged batteries can release stored energy quickly and start serious fires. “It’ll depend on the size of the battery, but they do take large volumes of water to extinguish these fires,” he said. He described a “thermal runaway event” in which damage progresses through the cells until they are spent.

Lethbridge will offer curbside battery collection from Nov. 17 through 27. Residents can put household batteries in a clear plastic bag, including a Ziplock bag from home, and place it on their green cart on collection day; bags will also be mailed to residents. During Fire Prevention Week, LFES members will answer questions and share information on battery safety, smoke alarms and ways to reduce fire risk at home at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization, Park Place Mall and Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre.

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary and CTV News Edmonton.