The theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 5 to 11, 2025, is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The City of Campbell River Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The campaign highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.
Many everyday electronics — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery is often used in rechargeable products, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them.
“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful and convenient, but it’s important to handle and dispose of them safely,” says Kelly Bellefleur, Fire Chief. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week shares important information about proper battery use and the importance of buying, charging, and recycling batteries safely. In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, the Campbell River Fire Department will be visiting elementary schools with our Fire Safety House this October to provide hands-on fire safety education to grade three students.”
The Campbell River Fire Department encourages all residents to be aware of what’s powering their devices and follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.
Buy only listed products.
- When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
- Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
Charge and repair devices safely.
Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
- Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Stop using a device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odour or change in colour.
If a device needs repairs, have them performed by a qualified professional.
Recycle batteries responsibly.
Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, because they could catch fire.
Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.ca to find a recycling spot near you.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit
fpw.org.
Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week - News Release - October 2025