Sacramento – CAL FIRE is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.

Many devices used in our daily lives – phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.

“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal. “By making safe charging a daily habit, we can all help prevent fires and protect our homes, families, and communities.”

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

CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (CAL FIRE – OSFM) is helping Californians stay safe by sharing free Fire Prevention Week resources and promoting California’s battery safety regulations at the Fire Prevention Week Toolkit. To support safer communities, CAL FIRE – OSFM leads statewide efforts to improve lithium‑ion battery safety. Through code development and collaboration with industry experts and fire agencies, CAL FIRE – OSFM works to reduce the risk of battery‑related fires in homes, businesses, and energy storage sites across California.

CAL FIRE – OSFM’s newly established Battery Energy Storage Systems Workgroup brings together specialists from across the state to study emerging hazards, recommend best practices, and strengthen firefighter training and public safety messaging. Their work helps make sure California stays ahead of evolving battery technology, and the risks that come with it.

By making safe charging a daily habit, we can all help prevent fires and protect our homes, families, and communities.

To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.