Power Up Safely: Fire Prevention Week Highlights Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

The Fire Prevention Week campaign returns October 4 to 10, 2026, reminding residents that safe charging practices can help prevent fires and keep families safe. This year's theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," focuses on the safe use, storage, and charging of lithium-ion battery-powered devices. 

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices people use every day, including phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters. While these batteries are safe when used properly, damaged batteries or improper charging can cause overheating, fires, or explosions. Fire safety experts recommend using manufacturer-approved chargers, charging devices on hard, flat surfaces, unplugging devices when fully charged, and discontinuing use of any device that becomes excessively hot, swells, smokes, or emits unusual odours.

“Fire Prevention Week is an important opportunity to educate residents about the simple steps they can take to reduce fire risks in their homes,” said Phil West, Fire Chief for the St. Marys Fire Department. “Many of us rely on rechargeable devices every day, but safe charging habits are essential. By following a few preventative measures, residents can help protect themselves, their families, and their property from preventable fires.”

As part of Fire Prevention Week, the St. Marys Fire Department will host several community events:

Firefighter Visit and Swag Bag Booth
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Residents are invited to visit firefighters and members of the Stratford Police at Your Independent Grocer in St. Marys. Visitors can pick up a reusable fire safety bag filled with important fire prevention information and promotional items, and take photos with a St. Marys fire truck.

St. Marys Fire Department Open House
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community members are encouraged to visit the fire station for tours, fire truck demonstrations, an inflatable fire safety house, fire prevention displays, and the opportunity to meet local firefighters and Sparky the Fire Dog. The event will also feature participation from the Stratford Police, as well as food vendors including Campbells Canteen, Sunset Shack, and Brannigan’s Fish & Chips.

Residents can learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year's theme by visiting fpw.org. Educational resources for children, caregivers, and educators are also available through sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.

For more information on fire prevention, visit the Town’s website at (townofstmarys.com/fireprevention) or Facebook page (@st.marys.ontario).

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For media inquiries:
Kaleigh Siegner-Robertson
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | krobertson@town.stmarys.on.ca