A Lithium-Ion Battery Fire in Toronto's Church and Wellesley Neighborhood: A Close Call
In a recent incident that could have had dire consequences, a lithium-ion battery from a mobility scooter sparked a fire in Toronto's Church and Wellesley neighborhood on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The blaze occurred at the Casey House, a specialty hospital providing care to individuals living with and at risk of HIV. The fire was quickly extinguished, and fortunately, no one was inside the affected unit at the time.
The fire alarm sounded at 119 Isabella St. at 2:46 p.m., prompting the swift response of emergency services. The lithium-ion battery, a common component in many electronic devices and mobility scooters, is known for its potential to catch fire if damaged or overheated. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper battery maintenance and disposal, especially in public spaces and healthcare facilities.
Lisa McDonald, the director of communications at Casey House, confirmed the incident, stating that a small fire occurred in a vacant inpatient room. As a precautionary measure, the hospital is temporarily evacuating the 12 clients currently staying on the inpatient unit. Outpatient services, which take place on a different floor, are not expected to resume until Monday morning.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and the need for heightened awareness and safety measures, especially in healthcare settings. It also underscores the importance of public education and awareness campaigns to prevent similar incidents in the future.
