Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop says he’s “grateful” no one was hurt after after a lithium-ion battery fire erupted on Monday in downtown Toronto.
The fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. at a high-rise apartment building in the St. Jamestown neighbourhood, at 280 Wellesley St. E., just east of Sherbourne Street.
Toronto Fire Service said it “caused significant damage to the balcony of the building.”
The fire affected the interior of one unit and several units on the exterior, said Toronto police.
TFS crews remain on scene of a highrise fire at 280 Wellesley Street East. The fire involved Lithium-Ion Batteries which caused significant damage to the balcony of the building. Thankfully, no injuries. Investigation into the origin and cause is underway. #toronto ^dc pic.twitter.com/wRmJh2P2zJ
— Toronto Fire Services 🇨🇦 (@Toronto_Fire) April 27, 2026
“This incident highlights both the risks these batteries pose and the hazards firefighters face when responding,” Jessop said in a post on X, where he also also thanked crews for their “quick response.”
Thank you to the responding crews for their quick response to the lithium-ion battery fire at 280 Wellesley Street East. This incident highlights both the risks these batteries pose and the hazards firefighters face when responding. We’re grateful no one was injured. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/fMqm4P2Oir
— Jim Jessop (@ChiefJessopTFS) April 27, 2026
An investigation into the origin and cause of this blaze is now underway, said the fire service.
