Fire at Li-Cycle leads to estimated $10,000 in damages

Thanksgiving Day got off to an early start for those with Kingston Fire and Rescue and Frontenac Paramedics, who attended the scene of a fire at a local battery recycling plant.

At approximately 4:35 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, Kingston Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to Li-Cycle, the lithium-ion battery recycling facility on Hagerman Street in the area of Kingston bound by John Counter Boulevard to the north, Montreal Street to the east, Hickson Avenue to the south, and Division Street to the west, and bordering the Inner Harbour and Rideau Heights neighbourhoods.

According to Kingston Fire and Rescue, firefighters confirmed an active fire in progress at the facility upon arrival, and then worked quickly to extinguish the flames. Frontenac Paramedics attended the scene in case of any injuries, however, none were reported.

Fire crews remained on scene for some time working to clear the scene of any hot spots and the air of any chemicals.

“Fires involving combustibles often emit chemicals, and as is customary, the crews used air monitoring equipment to ensure the air quality was cleared,” Kingston Fire and Rescue said in an email.

The cause of the fire currently remains under investigation, and the Kingston Fire and Rescue Fire Prevention unit will be completing a follow-up inspection with the owner. According to Kingston Fire and Rescue, the cost of damages incurred by the fire is estimated at $10,000.