Firefighters in Norfolk County are urging caution with lithium-ion batteries after a rapid fire erupted Monday south of Simcoe. The blaze occurred at a former auto repair shop in Walsh, now used as a hobby space storing e-bikes and other battery-powered equipment.
Twenty-five firefighters from four stations responded to a blaze. A small explosion was reported inside before smoke spread to the apartments above.
All residents and their pets escaped safely, and no injuries were reported. Crews discovered numerous lithium-ion batteries at the scene, though the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.