Toronto firefighters responded to two separate fires involving lithium-ion batteries within a few hours Sunday, with two people treated for minor smoke inhalation.
The first fire broke out around 11:23 a.m. in a laneway near St. Clair Avenue West and Bathurst Street.
Toronto Fire Services said an e-bike caught fire between two buildings. Crews quickly extinguished the blaze, and two people were taken to hospital for treatment of minor smoke inhalation.
Later that afternoon, at about 1:48 p.m., firefighters were called to an apartment building near Crescent Town Road and Victoria Park Avenue.
Police said a lithium-ion battery caught fire inside the building, while fire officials located the blaze in a ground-floor unit. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported.
The incidents highlight the potential serious fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly those used in e-bikes and other electric devices.