Gabby Hammond’s bedroom in Stittsville was left unrecognizable after a fire broke out in her family’s home in March, caused by a portable charger that ignited due to a lithium-ion battery. Gabby, who was sleeping at the time, heard a popping sound and noticed her arm burning. She quickly realized her charger, which she had been using in bed, was on fire.
Despite her attempts to put the fire out with a pillow, the flames spread rapidly, eventually engulfing the mattress and continuing to grow. Firefighters arrived just three minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls, but by then the fire had already spread through the roof.
The fire was later confirmed to be caused by a lithium-ion battery in the power bank Gabby had been using to charge her phone. This particular device was part of a batch recalled in the U.S. in December 2022, after reports of overheating, fires, and even minor injuries. While there hasn’t been a recall in Canada, Health Canada has been reviewing international recalls.
The fire caused an estimated $750,000 in damages, and given the extent of the destruction, the Hammonds expect their home will need to be completely rebuilt.
An Amazon spokesperson clarified that the INIU BI-B41 power bank, sold through Amazon, is still available, as such products remain legal in Canada under current regulations. However, the company is monitoring the situation and will adjust to any regulatory changes.
Ottawa Fire Services cautioned the public to use lithium-ion batteries properly to avoid similar incidents, emphasizing that these batteries are safe if used correctly, but can pose risks if mishandled.