Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week
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Calgary,
02
October
2026
|
15:00
America/Denver

Charge into Fire Safety - Safe Charging is a Superpower!

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4-10, and this year the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) is urging all Calgarians to learn how to use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely.  

Firefighters are seeing an increase in battery fires in homes, garages and businesses across the city. Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday electronics, including phones, laptops, power tools and e-bikes. If not handled correctly, damaged, or overcharged, they can overheat and cause fires or explosions.  

“Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are especially dangerous, to Calgarians and firefighters,” said Jeff Budai, Community Safety Coordinator with CFD. “They can burn with extreme heat and speed, making them difficult to extinguish. We urge everyone to take precautions when using these types of batteries and to learn what to do if the battery is smoking, releasing a chemical smell or producing flames. It might help to save your life.” 

Since 2015, Calgary has experienced over $46 million in property losses due to lithium-ion battery fires, with $38 million in losses in 2025 alone.  

  • While lithium-ion battery fires are not as frequent as structure fires, they doubled in Calgary between 2024 to 2025, from 10 to 21 incidents.
  • 2026 is currently on track to see the most ever lithium-ion battery fires on record, with 20 fires, mostly caused by e-scooters, e-bikes and battery packs. 

With the growing local and international trend in battery fires, the Calgary Fire Department has published a new “What to do with your lithium-ion battery” guide to calgary.ca/chargesafe, which helps residents to identify when to call 9-1-1 and where to dispose damaged batteries.   

Quick tips to avoid battery fires  

  1. Buy safely: Purchase products with lithium-ion batteries only from reputable vendors. Look for a “UL” or “CSA” stamp on the product to ensure it meets safety standards.  

  2. Charge safely: Use only the cables that come with the device and charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Do not overcharge devices; unplug them or remove the battery once fully charged. Do not charge under pillows, on beds, or on couches where batteries can overheat.  

  3. Recycle responsibly: Properly recycle lithium-ion batteries at designated collection sites to prevent fire hazards.  

For more information about lithium-ion batteries, please visit calgary.ca/chargesafe  

Family-friendly events 

During Fire Prevention Week, we are hosting several events to help Calgarians learn about the importance of charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely.  

Calgarians of all ages are invited to drop by to talk to the firefighters, tour the fire trucks and enter to win some great prizes. 

October 4 

October 7 

  • Meet Calgary firefighters to learn about fire prevention and enjoy a free VR experience
  • Location: CF Chinook Centre
  • Time: 3 - 7 p.m. 

October 10 

  • Meet Calgary firefighters to learn about fire prevention and enjoy a free VR experience!
  • Location: Sunridge Mall
  • Time: 10 a.m. -  4 p.m. 

Did you know? 

  • Battery fires at City landfills and recycling facilities are increasing due to improper disposal, with over 50 fire incidents reported at City landfills and recycling facilities in 2025.
  • Since 2015, Calgary has experienced over $46 million in property loss due to lithium-ion battery fires, with $38 million in losses in 2025 alone.
  • While lithium-ion battery fires are not as frequent as structure fires, they doubled in Calgary between 2024 to 2025, from 10 to 21 incidents.
  • 2026 is currently on track to see the most ever lithium-ion battery fires on record, with 20 fires, mostly caused by e-scooters, e-bikes and battery packs.

About Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is held annually by fire departments across North America. Fire Prevention Day was proclaimed in Canada in 1919 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, as well as a major fire that destroyed the Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa on February 3, 1916. In 1922, Fire Prevention Day expanded to Fire Prevention Week.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, please visit calgary.ca/firepreventionweek 

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