Did you know?
Fire Prevention Week runs October 4 through 10, 2026. As well, when it comes to fire safety, protecting our loved ones begins with each of us taking responsibility for one another.
Fire Prevention Week Theme
The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a SUPERPOWER.” This year’s campaign aims to help educate people of all ages to learn some simple charging habits that can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires.
Lithium-ion fires on the rise
The rising number of lithium-ion battery fires throughout Canada poses a growing public safety concern. These incidents typically start with overheating caused by physical damage, tampering, or improper charging. This can trigger thermal runaway—a self-sustaining reaction where heat accumulates faster than it can dissipate, often resulting in sudden fires or explosions. These fires are especially hazardous because they burn significantly hotter and faster than standard fires while releasing thick, toxic smoke.
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power nearly all modern portable electronics, from everyday household devices and cordless tools to rechargeable equipment of all kinds, including:
- toys
- tablets
- drones
- laptops
- e-bikes
- cameras
- e-readers
- golf carts
- e-scooters
- e-vehicles
- headphones
- power tools
- hoverboards
- power banks
- portable fans
- smart watches
- baby monitors
- mobile phones
- lawn equipment
- mobility scooters
- e-cigarettes/vapes
- remote control vehicles
- cordless vacuum cleaners
Dangerous signs to look for
If you notice any of the following problems with your device, take immediate action:
- Leaking
- Smoking
- An odour
- Odd noises
- Overheating
- Change in shape
- A change in colour
NOTE: Immediate action:
- STOP USE immediately.
- GET OUTSIDE, away from the device.
- CALL 9-1-1.
If your device starts to produce SMOKE, get to fresh air immediately; this is called OFF-GASSING, and it contains many harmful chemicals that are extremely dangerous to breathe in.
Lithium-ion batteries: A lot of energy
It’s important to know to never modify or tamper with lithium-ion batteries—and never attempt to build your own. Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small place; these batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to BUY, CHARGE and RECYCLE these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.
Buy ONLY listed products
- When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as CSA, cUL, or cETL; this means it meets important safety standards.
- Always read and follow the instructions or guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
CHARGE devices safely
- Always use the cables and charger that came with the product to charge, and follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Only buy new cables and chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved and is compatible with your device.
- Charge your device on a hard surface; don’t overcharge your device.
- Unplug it or remove the battery from the battery charger when it’s fully charged.
- Get to know how long your devices take to charge, such as a lithium-ion battery for a cordless drill; set a timer to remind you to check on the device you are charging.
RECYCLE batteries responsibly
- Lithium-ion batteries are household hazardous waste and can cause dangerous fires.
- Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in your garbage, recycling bin/container, or a recycling compactor.
- Throughout Canada, safe disposal of household hazardous waste—like batteries—is often limited to a community’s annual hazardous waste day, a restriction that highlights the need for more frequent or permanent disposal options.
- Recycle batteries at an approved drop-off location; go to locations.call2recycle.ca to find the locations within your community to recycle your SINGLE-USE or RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES.
Be on the ball and install working smoke alarms
- Make sure you have Working Smoke Alarms on each level (including the basement) of your home or cabin/cottage/camp, and outside all sleeping areas (like a hallway).
- For added protection, install Working Smoke Alarms in all bedrooms.
- In the event of a fire, follow your home fire escape plan and call 9-1-1 once safely outside.
For more information, visit: chargedforlife.ca
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
