Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2026
Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign:
🔋 “Charge Into Fire Safety™ - Safe Charging Is a Superpower!” ⚡
This year’s theme highlights the everyday charging habits that help prevent lithium‑ion battery fires. From phones and tablets to e‑bikes, scooters, and power tools, safe charging choices make a meaningful difference in keeping your home and family safe.
Lithium‑ion battery fires can be fast, intense, and unpredictable, often caused by damaged batteries, unsafe charging, or using the wrong equipment. NFPA’s message is simple: safe charging is a superpower - and everyone can use it.
🔌 RHFES Battery & Charging Safety Tips
- Cheap charger? Don’t chance it. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Off‑brand chargers may not meet safety standards and can damage the battery.
- Soft surface? Hard pass. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface like a table or desk. Soft surfaces trap heat and can cause batteries to overheat.
- Feels hot? Stop using it. If a device feels very hot, swells, leaks, smells strange, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds, stop using it immediately. A damaged battery can start a fire.
- Fully charged? Time to unplug. Unplug devices once they reach a full charge. Leaving them plugged in increases heat and stress on the battery.
- For tools and rides, charge outside. Charge large items like e‑bikes, scooters, and power tools outdoors when possible. Never block exits while charging.
- Out of sight? Not in flight. On airplanes, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Never charge e‑cigarettes or vapes on a plane. Report any device that feels hot, swells, smokes, or smells strange.
Fire Prevention Week Activities
We have lots planned for Fire Prevention Week - stay tuned for updates!
Digital Backpack
Check out some of the fun and exciting activities and colouring sheets our friends from National Fire Protection Association have created for Fire Prevention Week!
If you live in an apartment or building that has many levels, it’s super important to have a fire escape plan so you know how to get out quickly if a fire starts. Check out this Fire Safety in the City family kit to learn more about being prepared, and planning your escape.
For more activities from NFPA, please visit their Fire Prevention Week page or Sparky The Fire Dog's website.
The History of Fire Prevention Week
Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
Home Escape Planning
Want to know more about how to plan your escape? Visit our Home Escape Planning page.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Have questions about smoke and/or smoke alarms? Check out our smoke alarm and carbon monoxide pages.
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