This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower, runs from October 4 to 10, 2026. Building on last year's focus on lithium-ion batteries, the campaign highlights the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, toys, e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. When damaged or improperly charged, 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.
Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services offers these key safe charging tips:
Use the right charger: Always use the charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer.
Only use devices and chargers that are certified by a recognized testing agency such as CSA, CUL/ULC or ETL
Charge on a hard, flat surface: Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, or pillows, where heat can build up.
Unplug when full: Unplug devices once they are fully charged.
Watch for warning signs: Stop using a device if it becomes very hot, swells, smokes, or has an unusual smell.
Charge larger items outside when possible: Charge e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outdoors and away from exits.
Dispose of batteries properly: Never put lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or recycling carts. Take them to a proper recycling depot.
Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services also continues to improve home safety by providing free smoke alarms to the most vulnerable in the community. Residents can arrange a free home visit from a Fire Prevention Officer, who will determine the best locations for smoke alarms or test existing ones. If a resident requires a new smoke alarm, Fire staff will install it and complete a home safety inspection. Qualifying residents can sign up online at portcoquitlam.ca/smokealarm.
Each year, Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services takes part in Fire Prevention Week by educating the community on the year's theme and conducting elementary school fire drills. For over 30 years, crews have visited each elementary school in the city to assist with fire drills and teach students about that year's fire safety message.
As part of the program, students in kindergarten to grade three can enter 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 Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services at [email protected] or 604.927.5466.
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