Two separate fires linked to electric bikes reported hours apart in Toronto

TORONTO — Two fires possibly linked to electric bikes broke out in separate locations within hours of each other in Toronto on Sunday.

Toronto police say a large fire was reported just before noon in an alleyway in the north end of the city, sparked by an e-bike battery.

They say the blaze was extinguished and two people were transported to hospital for minor smoke inhalation.

A spokesperson for Toronto Fire Services says a second fire erupted about two hours later in the east end of the city.

The spokesperson says firefighters extinguished a fire on the ground floor of a building and are investigating if an e-bike was involved.

Toronto fire says there have been 93 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in 2026 so far.

Lithium-ion batteries, which power e-bikes, portable chargers and other devices, can catch fire if damaged or charged improperly.

To prevent a lithium-ion fire, Toronto Fire says people should only use devices that have been safety-tested and certified, follow manufacturer instructions for charging and storage and store batteries away from flammable materials.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 6, 2026.

The Canadian Press