Stony Plain Fire Department Recognizes October 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week

STONY PLAIN, AB: The Stony Plain Fire Department is bringing Fire Prevention Week™ back to Stony Plain in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®). Fire Prevention Week will take place from October 4-10. This year’s campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower,” aims to raise awareness about how to properly charge and use devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. 

Lithium-ion batteries power many household electronics, from smartphones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes, and toys. While convenient, if these batteries are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. The Stony Plain Fire Department encourages all residents to engage with the 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme and participate in events around Town. 

This year, the Stony Plain Fire Department will be hosting the following events in support of Fire Prevention Week: 

Residential Smoke Alarm Inspections
Monday, October 5
6:30–8:30 PM 
Firefighters will be going door-to-door in random neighbourhoods across Stony Plain offering free smoke alarm inspections. 

Fire Hall Open House
Saturday, October 10
11:00 AM–3:00 PM 
Get an inside look at the Stony Plain Fire Hall! Meet local firefighters, tour the fire hall, enjoy a BBQ and kids’ activities. 

“Lithium-ion batteries have become so prevalent that we don’t often think of them as a fire hazard,” says Fire Chief Jason Nesbitt. “We absolutely should be handling them with care, and this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is a great opportunity to learn exactly what that looks like.”

“Fire Prevention Week is an excellent time to learn more about fire prevention and safety,” says Mayor William Choy. “I encourage residents to take advantage of the free fire alarm checks around town and take this week as an opportunity to learn more about how to keep your family safe from house fires.”

The NFPA® recommends these tips for safely charging and handling lithium-ion batteries:

•  Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones 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.

Learn more about Fire Prevention Week by visiting the Stony Plain Fire Department webpage.