Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4–10, 2026, and Rocky View County is reminding residents that everyday charging habits can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires.
This year’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) campaign theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower™.” The campaign highlights the importance of charging devices safely and disposing of batteries responsibly.
To learn more about fire prevention, meet local crews, and explore the equipment that keeps our communities safe, residents are encouraged to attend an upcoming open house at a County fire station.
Open Houses
Madden Fire Station 105 (285052 Symons Valley Road, Madden)
• Saturday, October 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Elbow Valley Fire Station 101 (31040 Lott Creek Drive, Rocky View County)
• Sunday, October 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Springbank Fire Station 102 (128 MacLaurin Drive, Rocky View County)
• Sunday, October 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bearspaw Fire Station 103 (31211 Lochend Place, Rocky View County)
• Sunday, October 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Irricana Fire Station 108 (230 - 1 Avenue, Irricana)
• Tuesday, October 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Langdon Fire Station 111 (24 – 3 Avenue NW, Langdon)
• Wednesday, October 7, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The dangers of lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power many common items, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, mobility devices, toys, and other rechargeable equipment. While these batteries are used safely every day, damaged batteries or improper charging can cause overheating, fire, and even explosion.
Residents are encouraged to follow these safe charging practices:
- Charge devices on a hard, flat, stable surface where heat can dissipate.
- Keep charging devices away from bedding, couches, pillows, and other combustible materials.
- Use the charger and charging equipment supplied with the device whenever possible and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
- Unplug chargers after charging is complete when directed by the manufacturer.
- Avoid using damaged batteries, chargers, cords, or devices.
- Charge larger items such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and power tools outside when possible and never block an exit while charging.
If a lithium-ion battery is unusually hot, swollen, leaking, damaged, producing an unusual odour, or making hissing or popping sounds, stop using it. If it is smoking or catches fire, move away from the area, call 9-1-1 and stay outside.
Do not place a damaged battery back on a charger and do not attempt to transport an actively smoking or burning battery.
Disposing of batteries safely
Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them should never be placed in the County’s household garbage or curbside recycling bins. Batteries can be crushed or punctured during collection and processing, creating a serious fire risk.
Residents should:
- Take rechargeable batteries and devices to an approved battery-recycling, household hazardous-waste, or designated electronics collection site. Batteries are accepted at several local transfer sites.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry location away from heat, direct sunlight, metal objects, and combustible materials until they can be safely disposed of.
- Bring in the complete device when the battery cannot be safely removed.
- Follow local program instructions for preparing batteries for drop-off. Where required, cover battery terminals with non-conductive tape or place batteries individually in a suitable bag or container.
Safe charging is just one part of home fire safety. Rocky View County also encourages residents to maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, test alarms regularly, and practice a home escape plan with two ways out of every room where possible.
For more Fire Prevention Week resources and lithium-ion battery safety information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.