Ten Hilo smart thermostats distributed by Hydro‑Québec are reported to have ignited in Montreal on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The incidents produced visible smoke and a burnt smell, according to owners of the devices. The owners say they have contacted Hydro‑Québec for assistance but have not received a response.
Hydro‑Québec is the distributor of the Hilo thermostats that were involved in the reported fires. Several Montreal residents have come forward with accounts of the devices catching fire while in use, describing the resulting smoke and odor as a cause for concern. The owners have documented the incidents and attempted to reach the utility for guidance or remediation.
The reports were made public on Tuesday afternoon, with the timestamp of 13:22:30 EDT recorded for the initial complaints. The owners' statements indicate that the utility's lack of reply persisted despite multiple attempts to communicate. No official comment from Hydro‑Québec has been released at the time of writing.
The incidents involve a total of ten thermostats that were reported to have ignited. The devices are part of Hydro‑Québec’s smart home product line, which includes the Hilo thermostat series. The affected owners have expressed concern over the safety of the devices and the apparent absence of a response from the company responsible for their distribution.
Authorities have not been mentioned in the reports, and no further details about investigations or remedial actions have been provided. The situation remains ongoing as owners await a reply from Hydro‑Québec regarding the fire incidents and potential safety measures.