If the afternoon commute wasn’t enough, Calgary firefighters are warning of the perils of lithium-ion batteries after an e-scooter exploded in a Bowness business during Monday’s snowstorm.Fire crews were called to the 6300 block of Bowness Road NW Monday afternoon to reports of a possible explosion in a local e-bike repair shop, Wire and Wheels, which specializes in repairing all manner of e-bikes, scooters and even skate boards.According to eye witnesses, four fire trucks were dispatched to the scene amid billowing clouds of what the CFD termed “toxic” smoke that cloaked the historic business district.The business owner reportedly had just taken some trash into the alley and came back in to lock up for the day when an e-scooter that was being charged suddenly burst into flames, sending toxic fumes through the adjacent buildings.The owner managed to extinguish the flames sufficiently for fire crews to retrieve the smouldering e-bike without causing major damage or injuries. Adjacent businesses were temporarily evacuated..“If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode,”Calgary Fire Department.“This was a close call and thanks to the quick actions of the business owner, greater damage was prevented,” CFD spokesperson Carol Henke said in a statement.However, the department issued a warning about proper handling and storage of lithium-ion power cells, and specifically those used in smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, power tools and cars. It comes after authorities in several major cities in North America and Europe — including New York, Toronto and London — are warning of increasing safety concerns and several deaths as a result of scooters and the whole gamut of lithium-ion powered devices and vehicles..From 2017 to 2022 there were more than 233 fatalities in 39 states reported to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission..In England, the London Fire Brigade had reported 123 such fires in 2023 alone and has called for stringent regulations regarding their use and storage. At least 190 people in the UK have been injured as a result of the fires.In June, a fire at an e-bike shop in Manhattan killed four people — including a 7-year old — in an upstairs apartment, prompting the Big Apple to review its own laws. Toronto has reported 33 similar fires this year and even Halifax has issued warnings after fires there.“If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode,” Henke said. To that end, CFD issued its own guidelines for proper use..Do not charge your battery for longer than the recommended charging time. Overcharging can cause your battery to overheat, which can lead to fires or explosions.Charge your device at room temperature where you can see it. Soft surfaces, such as a couch or bed, can trap heat around the battery and cause the device to overheat.Charge your battery before it drops below 30% to help it last longer and work safely. Do not keep it plugged in and charged at 100% for long periods.Do not stack heavy objects on top of the boxes containing lithium-ion batteries. Damaged batteries can cause internal short circuits, which can lead to an explosion.Unlike older types of batteries, you do not need to fully discharge lithium-ion batteries. This may actually harm them.Charge your product away from exit doors in case of fire
