On August 13, 2026, a fire broke out inside a garbage collection truck parked on Brydon Drive in Etobicoke, Toronto. The blaze started after several lithium‑ion batteries that had been placed in the truck’s load ignited, prompting an emergency response from Toronto Fire Services.
Firefighters arrived on scene shortly after the alarm was raised and worked to suppress the flames. The fire was eventually extinguished, and the incident was declared under control. The truck was removed from service for further examination, and authorities began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the battery fire.
Toronto Fire Services Fire Chief Jim Jessop identified the improper disposal of the lithium‑ion batteries as the direct cause of the ignition. He confirmed that the batteries, when not handled according to municipal recycling guidelines, can generate sufficient heat to start a fire, especially when confined within a waste‑collection vehicle.
The incident adds to a pattern of similar events in recent years. Toronto has recorded multiple waste‑collection fires that have been linked to lithium‑ion batteries discarded in garbage trucks. These occurrences have highlighted the challenges the city faces in managing the growing volume of consumer electronics and battery waste.
City officials continue to advise residents to use designated recycling programs for lithium‑ion batteries rather than placing them in regular trash. Proper disposal helps reduce the risk of fire in collection vehicles and supports broader public safety and environmental objectives.