Montreal-area woman's car totaled after lithium battery started fire

A Saint-Lazare woman is warning others to be careful when using devices containing lithium-ion batteries.

Last month, Krystel Fitz-Andrews said her car was totaled after a leaf blower left inside caught fire.

Firefighters on scene told her the fire started from the lithium-ion battery inside the device.

"I lost my stroller, car seats, everything inside," said Fitz-Andrews.

Fires from lithium-ion batteries are becoming more common according to the Montreal fire department.

"We see those types of fires basically everywhere," said Robert Rousseau, fire prevention division chief for the Montreal fire service.

According to Rousseau, in 2021 there were seven reported fires caused by the battery. In 2022, there were 24. In 2023, there were 43, and last year, that number was at 71.

At Batteries Expert, salesman Samuel Ravary says despite the increase, these types of fires are rare.

Adding, if a fire does break out, it usually has something to do with faulty equipment.

"It's mostly the motherboard that is inside the battery that caused that to spark and explode," said Ravary.

The Montreal fire department has provided several tips on reducing the risk of fires. These include using the correct charger for your device, avoiding overloading electrical outlets, being at home when charging devices, and ensuring your smoke alarm is working.

For Fitz-Andrews, she is glad her kids were not with her at the time of the fire.

"The fact that they could have been in there…it's just super scary," she said.

CTV News reached to RYOBI, the company that makes the leaf blower, but we did not hear back in time for broadcast.

Meanwhile, Fitz-Andrews says she is never going to leave battery-powered devices in her car.

"I will definitely be more cautious," she said.