Lithium-ion battery safety focus of Fire Prevention Week | Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

October 02, 2025

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Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices in our lives. They store a lot of energy in a small place -- but they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode if overcharged or damaged.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 5-11, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” is focused on safely using these batteries. It is important to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries correctly.

Buy only listed products

When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely

Always use the charging cords that came with the product.
Follow the manufacturer instructions, and only buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one the manufacturer has approved.
Charge your device on a hard surface, don’t overcharge devices, and unplug or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Stop using your device right away if the battery smells weird, gets too hot, makes popping noises, or changes in shape or color. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire.
If a fire happens, or seems about to occur, call 9-1-1.

Recycle batteries responsibly

Before recycling, tape terminals of any batteries more than nine volts to prevent fires.
Don’t put batteries in your black garbage bin or blue recycling bin — they can cause fires.
Small household batteries can now be recycled at several drop-off locations in Fort McMurray. Find a convenient spot near you at rmwb.ca/recycle.
Larger batteries can be taken to the Public Drop-Off at the landfill for free.
If your battery of any size is swelling, leaking, or looks damaged, bring it to the Public Drop-Off

Fire Prevention Week is coming to you!

For an interesting and educational experience, explore the Fire Safety Trailer this Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MacDonald Island Park. We’ll have take-home bags for the first 200 children.

For more information or to request a fire prevention presentation, visit rmwb.ca/fireprevention.