Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower
A multi-source study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, estimates that approximately 198,000 structure fires involving lithium-ion batteries have occurred nationwide since 2011.
SPRINGFIELD – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and fire departments across the state to support Fire Prevention Week that runs October 4-10, 2026. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.
Many devices used in our daily lives - phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, there were at least 25,000 reported fire or overheating incidents involving lithium-ion batteries over a five-year span ending in 2022. A multi-source study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, estimates that approximately 198,000 structure fires involving lithium-ion batteries have occurred nationwide since 2011. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, they have identified 245 fires at waste management and recycling facilities between 2013 and 2020 alone tied to lithium-based batteries.
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“The way you charge and use your lithium-ion battery-powered devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “It starts with simple habits every time you plug in. Read and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions, use products that have been tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and regularly check your devices and batteries for signs of damage or defects. And when it’s time to get rid of a used battery, whether it’s a lithium-ion battery or a common household battery, please take it to a designated battery recycling or take-back location. Properly disposing of batteries can help reduce the risk of fires in your home, garbage trucks and waste facilities. These simple steps can help keep you charged up and connected safely.”
Keep these important tips in mind as charge up your devices.
- Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
- Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
- Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
- Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
- Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
- When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.
Charging into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower but what happens when your battery runs out of its superpower? Even when batteries are no longer useful, they can still retain energy and create a potential fire hazard if they are damaged, crushed or come into contact with other batteries or metal objects. Battery-related fires can occur in homes, garbage trucks, recycling facilities and waste processing operations, putting residents, workers and communities at risk. Never place batteries in household trash or recycling. Instead, safely dispose of used batteries by finding a proper collection location near you at batterynetwork.org/locator. From charging devices safely to properly handling batteries when their superpower runs out, making smart choices can help prevent fires and keep our communities safer.
To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
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