Cornwall Fire Services responded to a fire in the Loyalist St and Campbell St area at FCM Recycling on October 3, 2024, at approx. 10:20 am.
Cornwall Fire Services responded with 12 firefighters and 4 vehicles; 4 additional off duty firefighters were called in to assist with the incident and to provide coverage for the city.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire in machinery used to process & recycle electronic material. The 58 individuals inside were safely evacuated, and the fire was contained to the machine, minimizing damage to the building. The cause of the fire was traced to improper handling of a lithium-ion battery pack, which led to a catastrophic failure of the unit, thermal runaway and subsequent fire.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in many devices, from smartphones to e-scooters and electric vehicles, can be a serious fire hazard if not handled properly. Key safety tips include using the correct charger, avoiding overcharging, regularly inspecting the batteries for damage, and ensuring they are properly disposed of. Batteries are never to be thrown in regular trash or recycling bins. The City of Cornwall offers special hazardous waste days throughout the year for safe disposal. These dates can be found on the city’s website www.cornwall.ca