NEWS RELEASE MINTO FIRE
HARRISTON — Just as Fire Prevention Week wraps up, Minto Fire is reminding residents that fire safety is a year-round responsibility. Friday night at approximately 10 p.m., fire crews responded to a serious structure fire in a residential garage. The cause: a lithium-ion battery that ignited and led to an estimated $500,000 in damages.
Thanks to the quick response of our firefighters from Minto and Wellington North, the blaze was contained before it could spread to neighbouring homes. No injuries were reported, but the incident highlights the growing risk associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in rechargeable tools, e-bikes, and household devices.
MFD urges everyone to take battery safety seriously—especially as we head into colder months when indoor charging becomes more common.
Battery Safety Tips from Minto Fire
- Charge batteries away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
- Use only the charger provided by the manufacturer.
- Store batteries in cool, dry areas—never in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
- Do not use or charge damaged or swollen batteries.
- Recycle batteries properly at designated drop-off locations.
