Fire departments promote safe lithium-ion battery charging

Fire departments in Red Deer, Canada, and Las Vegas, USA, are participating in Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4–10, 2026. This year’s theme, “Safe charging is a superpower,” focuses on the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in devices such as phones, laptops, e-bikes, and electric scooters.

Emergency officials warn that improper charging, damaged batteries, or the use of unapproved aftermarket chargers can lead to overheating, thermal runaway, intense fires, or explosions. In Red Deer, acting fire chief Curtis Schaefer emphasized the importance of using Canadian Standards Association-approved equipment to mitigate risks.

Safety guidelines issued by fire services include charging devices on hard, flat surfaces rather than soft materials like beds or couches that trap heat. Residents are advised to stop using any device immediately if they notice swelling, bulging, excessive heat, strange odors, leaking fluids, or unusual sounds like hissing or popping.