Fire Prevention Week is October 5-11

Published on October 06, 2025

Red fire engine.

HELENA, Mont. – The City of Helena fire department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week (FPW) campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Kurt Sheehan. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy only listed products:

  • When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
  • Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely:

  • Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
  • Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly:

  • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.

In the last several months, the Lewis and Clark County Landfill has been plagued with a series of fires started by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in over $18,000 worth of damage. When lithium batteries are thrown away in residential or commercial garbage cans and taken out to the landfill, they can become damaged during transportation and processing. Solid Waste workers use large machinery to process solid waste, and the immense pressure from these machines, on the batteries, can cause batteries to explode, and ignite the trash around them.

  • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Permit holders may recycle your devices and batteries at the City of Helena Solid Waste Transfer station, 1975 N Benton Ave. Staff ask that you place a piece of tape over any exposed charging ports, cable inputs, or battery contact points.

The City of Helena fire department encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

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