LaSalle Fire Service Urges Residents to Safely Buy, Charge, and Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries

October 04, 2025

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Fire Prevention Week, October 5 to 11, 2025

“Charge into Fire Safety ™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

The LaSalle Fire Service is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) - the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years - to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The campaign works to educate about the importance of buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day, such as smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, almost 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 the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, take a moment to look around your home - it’s important to identify which devices are powered by them.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Ed Thiessen, Director of Fire Service/Fire Chief. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps the public understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the buy, charge, and recycle safely approach.”

LaSalle Fire Service offers these key safety tips and guidelines:

Buy smart

Choose certified products and do your research. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product to ensure it meets safety standards, as many items sold online or in stores may not and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely

Use the original charger. Always charge devices with the cords that came with them and follow the manufacturer's instructions. 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 as this could cause a fire.

Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly

Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they can catch fire and pose serious safety risks. The safest way to dispose of them is by taking them to a proper battery recycling location. Visit recycleyourbatteries.ca to find a recycling drop-off spot near you.

The LaSalle Fire Service 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™.”

The LaSalle Fire Service is organizing a series of initiatives to support this year's Fire Prevention Week (FPW) campaign. These events will include fire safety education programs in partnership with local schools as well as a door-to-door smoke alarm campaign.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety ™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” visit the NFPA Fire Prevention Week webpage or NFPA Kids.

For more information about lithium-ion battery safety, visit the LaSalle Fire Service website or follow the department on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). 