Charge Into Safety this Fire Prevention Week

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 at 06:20

Firefighters are shining a light on the dangers of lithium ion batteries.

WOODSTOCK - Members of the Woodstock Fire Department will be out and about over the next few days for Fire Prevention Week.

Charge Into Safety is the theme this year, focusing on the dangers of lithium ion batteries.

They can be found in power tools, ebikes, and even cellphones. They can overheat and potentially spark a fire when left on the charger for too long.

Public Information Coordinator Lisa Woods stresses the importance of using batteries and chargers recommended by the manufacturer.

"If you have an Apple phone, stick with an Apple charger because they stop charging when the device is full. The after market ones will continue to charge and you put the battery at risk of over charging, over heating and starting a fire."

Lithium ion battery fires are on the rise, so Woods adds you should always be cautious, especially when you have combustible materials nearby.

"People that take them (their cellphone) to bed and put them under their pillow so they can hear it vibrate, that's not a great idea at all."

Woods says you should also keep and eye out for the following.

"Discontinue using a device or battery that has an unusual odour, change in colour, too much heat, change in shape, or leaking, smoking, and not keeping a charge. I know those sound obvious, but if you're not keeping a charge sometimes you use it a little bit longer than you probably should. Also if you drop it and it seems to have a crack in it, that is one you should swap out. "

Local firefighters will be knocking on doors this week and chatting with homeowners about fire safety and the dangers of lithium ion batteries. They will also be at Canadian Tire from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. today and Firehouse Subs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.

Lisa Woods stopped by the Heart FM studio to chat with Dan and Marcie on Monday October 6th. You can listen to the full interview below: