The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week 2026 from October 4 to 10, 2026. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.
Many devices used in our daily lives, including phones, tablets, tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters, run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire or even explode.
“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent fires,” said Stephen Conn, Fire Chief. “It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.”
When charging lithium-ion battery devices, The Blue Mountains Fire Department reminds residents to:
- Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
- Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
- Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
- Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
- Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
- When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.
To kick off Fire Prevention Week, The Blue Mountains Fire Department is hosting an Open House at Fire Station 1 (496916, Grey Road 2) on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the public are invited to meet local firefighters, tour the fire station, enjoy a free BBQ and plenty of activities for the whole family.
For more information about Fire Prevention programs in the Town of The Blue Mountains, contact the Town’s Fire Prevention department. To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.fpw.org.
For more information, please contact:
Fire Prevention
Town of The Blue Mountains
(519) 599-3131 ext. 9016