A Fragmented Landscape: Who’s Accountable?
Lithium-ion batteries have rapidly become the cornerstone of modern life. From smartphones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes, and electric vehicles, their widespread adoption is transforming how we live, work, and travel. Their efficiency, portability, and energy density are undeniable advantages. Yet, with these benefits comes a growing and often underappreciated risk: lithium-ion battery fires.
For professionals in fire protection engineering, emergency response personnel, designers, and the general public, it is an especially chaotic time. The hazard is real and escalating, but the frameworks, guidance, and accountability structures that typically accompany emerging risks are not yet fully developed. The result is a “Wild, Wild West” landscape where uncertainty prevails and stakeholders seek their own answers, sometimes with unintended consequences.
A Hazard Requiring Shared Accountability
Lithium-ion battery fires present a complex challenge that affects multiple sectors, and no single group should be expected to solve the problem in isolation. Responsibility is shared across the chain of stakeholders, each playing an important role in both prevention, education and response.
- End users contribute by following safe charging practices, storing devices appropriately, and purchasing certified products.
- Fire protection professionals hold responsibility for integrating protective measures into buildings and systems, while adapting to an evolving body of knowledge.
- Fire departments bring critical frontline experience, developing suppression strategies and sharing incident data to inform research.
- Manufacturers shape the foundation of safety through product design.
- Regulators govern certification, and policy development.
The absence of central accountability leaves stakeholders searching for clarity and can slow the development of coordinated solutions.
The Absence of Codes and Standards
The most significant source of frustration is that, as of today, no Canadian building or fire code provides comprehensive, prescriptive requirements for lithium-ion batteries. While some standards exist, such as UL Standards for energy storage systems or certain e-mobility devices, they are often product-specific and do not address the broader built environment.
In Canada, neither the National Building Code nor the National Fire Code currently address the emerging risks associated with the widespread use of consumer-grade lithium-ion technologies. Similarly, the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code lack applicable regulatory provisions. As a result, lithium-ion batteries occupy a regulatory grey area, leaving engineers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) without clear prescriptive guidance and reliant on performance-based design approaches to assess and mitigate potential hazards.
Even Good Intentions Can Lead to Bad Outcomes
In the absence of defined safety measures, individuals and organizations often attempt to fill the void. Unfortunately, these efforts can backfire.
The rise of modified e-bikes and scooters in urban centres has grown exponentially over the last few years, due to their efficiency and affordability. What was once seen as the smarter, greener choice in urban transportation is now under scrutiny and synonymous with the “wild, wild west” challenges we face with lithium-ion battery safety.
E-bikes and scooters are not inherently bad; problems arise when users purchase uncertified battery packs or attempt DIY repairs to reduce costs. In a recent case in Toronto, an apartment resident was charging an aftermarket e-bike within their suite when the battery experienced thermal runaway and quickly ignited. The resulting fire forced the evacuation of multiple units, caused significant smoke damage, and left several families displaced.
This example highlights an important lesson: even when people try to act safely, without proper research or standards, their solutions can make things more dangerous. Modifications, uncertified parts, or DIY fixes may seem practical, but they often create bigger risks than the ones they were meant to solve.
Lessons from the Past: Flammable and Combustible Liquids
While the uncertainty surrounding lithium-ion batteries feels unprecedented, history provides perspective. In the early 20th century, flammable and combustible liquids posed a new and poorly understood hazard. At the time, codes and standards offered little to no guidance.
Through extensive research and collaboration, requirements were eventually introduced to regulate the storage, handling, and use of these materials. Today, we take for granted the robust provisions in NFPA 30, the Fire Code, and the Building Code, but it took decades of research and industry collaboration before those measures were established. Standards for these products are now a part of a well-established development and renewal structure including engineers, manufacturers, and AHJs to continually align the standards with current products and hazards.
This history shows that even daunting new hazards can be researched, understood, and ultimately woven into codes and standards through engagement with relevant stakeholders and design professionals. What was once unfamiliar and dangerous is now routine. Lithium-ion batteries will likely follow the same path: while we face uncertainty today, standards will emerge and evolve. This precedent gives confidence that today’s challenges will become tomorrow’s solutions.
The Research Landscape
Although formal codes and standards have yet to catch up, research into lithium-ion battery fires is underway. Recognized organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL and ULC), FM Global, and Clean Core Research, as well as international bodies like the NFPA and NIST, are actively studying this issue. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay on top of this research, as it will be critical in shaping future requirements and informing best practices.
Moving Forward: Conversation is Where Growth Begins
In the absence of standards, one of the most valuable tools we have is conversation. Communication among engineers, fire departments, policymakers, manufacturers, and end users allow us to share lessons learned and develop practical, performance based solutions. These conversations expand perspectives, help bridge current knowledge gaps, and ultimately prepare the groundwork for the future codes and standards that will shape safer outcomes.
Engaging experts in lithium-ion battery safety and fire risk mitigation offers critical insight and practical strategies. Skilled professionals can guide stakeholders through this uncertain landscape, helping them make informed decisions and implement effective measures – even in the absence of established standards.
Conclusion:
Lithium-ion batteries represent both a tremendous opportunity and a significant hazard. At present, it feels like a challenging “Wild, Wild West” a period defined by uncertainty, fragmented responsibility, and improvised solutions. But history shows us that this phase is temporary.
The fire protection community has faced new and emerging hazards before. Through research, collaboration, and persistent dialogue, solutions were found, and standards were created. The same will be true for lithium-ion batteries.
For now, we must remain committed to keeping the conversation alive. Because while research takes time, conversations can shape current solutions, drive collaboration, and – eventually – inform the codes and standards that will keep our communities safe.
Jessica Marano – Project Consultant
