October 5-11, 2025 is Fire Prevention Week
History of Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week occurs each year in observance of the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9th, 1871. This devastating fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
In 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and the Dominion Fire Prevention Association (DFPA) joined forces to develop Fire Prevention Week with the goal to provide a week-long program to increase awareness of fire safety, prevention and education.
Each year a theme is chosen on a specific topic of fire safety. The theme for 2025 is:
Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!TM
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power many consumer electronics including cell phones, laptops, power tools, vacuum cleaners, toys, electric vehicles, E-scooters and E-bikes.
Buy Only Listed Products:
Take the time to research products. Ensure all products are stamped by a nationally recognized testing laboratory – this ensures the product meets important safety standards.
Products sold online and in stores might not meet necessary safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
- Always read and follow user instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
- Use original lithium-ion batteries and if required, replace them with batteries that are approved by the manufacturer.
Consumer Awareness
If at any time you notice any of the following concerns with your device, you should stop using it immediately, get outside and call 9-1-1:
- An odour
- A change in colour
- Overheating
- Leaking
- Unusual noises
Safely Charge Devices
Follow your device’s instruction manual for information on how to safely charge the battery.
- Avoid over charging batteries. Batteries can overheat, explode or catch fire if over charged.
- Do not charge batteries overnight – this can increase the risk of overcharging.
- Unplug batteries when they are fully charged.
- Use the cable provided with the battery when charging. Using the wrong cable can increase the risk of fire or explosion.
- Always purchase new batteries, cables and chargers directly from the manufacturer.
- Only charge devices on a hard surface. Never on a pillow, bed or on a couch. This can increase the risk of fire.
- Never tamper with or modify a lithium-ion battery. Modifying them can increase the risk of overheating, explosion or fire.
Recycling Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, chargers and battery powered devices are considered hazardous waste and should never be thrown out with regular garbage or recycling. They can cause fires if they are not disposed of correctly.
Recycle your batteries at a safe battery recycling location. Visit https://www.call2recycle.org/ to find a recycling center near you.
For more information, please visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week
