This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home, runs from October 5–11, 2025. The campaign focuses on educating everyone about the safe use of lithium-ion batteries and stresses how important it is to Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in devices such as cell phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. When damaged, improperly charged, or discarded incorrectly, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. The City encourages residents to understand the risks and take simple but important actions to protect themselves, their homes, and their community.
The Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services offers these key safety tips for lithium-ion batteries:
- Buy safely – Only purchase batteries and devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
- Charge safely – Always use the device’s manufacturer-approved charger, do not overcharge, and keep batteries away from flammable materials.
- Recycle safely – Never put lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or recycling carts. Take them to a proper recycling depot.
The Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services also continue to work to improve home safety by providing free smoke alarms to the most vulnerable in the community. Residents can arrange for a free smoke alarm home visit by a Fire Prevention Officer, who will determine the best locations for a smoke alarm or test existing ones. If a resident requires a new smoke alarm, Fire staff will install it and complete a home safety inspection as well. Qualifying residents can sign up online at portcoquitlam.ca/smokealarm.
Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services take part in Fire Prevention Week each year by educating the community on the year’s theme and conducting elementary school fire drills. For over 30 years, Port Coquitlam Fire and Protective Services have been visiting each elementary school to assist with fire drills and to teach students about that year’s fire safety message.
As part of the program:
Students in kindergarten to grade three can enter into a draw for a chance to be Captain of the Day or Fire Chief for a Day at portcoquitlam.ca/fpwballot.
For more fire safety and prevention tips, visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire or contact the Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services Department at [email protected] or 604.927.5466.
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