NFPA talks lithium-ion risks for Fire Prevention Week

QUINCY, Mass. — Most home electronics are powered by lithium-ion batteries, and if not used correctly or damaged, they can overheat and start a fire or explode.

In response to these potential risks, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week – has announced  “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11, 2025.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose.”

According to NFPA, devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are largely used without incident. However, reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise in recent years, reinforcing the importance of better educating the public about how to use, handle, and recycle them safely.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” provides the information, guidance, and resources needed to buy, charge, and dispose of/recycle lithium-ion batteries safely, with a focus on the following messages:

• BUY only listed products
• CHARGE devices safely
• DISPOSE OF/RECYCLE batteries responsibly

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.