A device left charging overnight can become more than an inconvenience if its lithium-ion battery is damaged or defective. As these batteries become increasingly common in phones, laptops, power tools and other equipment, fire departments are responding to more battery-related incidents every year.
Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 4-10, 2026, by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), focuses on reducing lithium-ion battery fires. This year's theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” marks the second consecutive year the campaign has addressed this topic.
The NFPA's six safety tips for lithium-ion batteries are:
For facilities managers and maintenance professionals, the campaign provides an opportunity to review charging practices throughout their facilities and reinforce safe habits among employees and building occupants. This week serves as a reminder to review charging practices, identify designated charging areas and remind employees and occupants to follow manufacturers' instructions.
Here are some fire safety and prevention articles that FacilitiesNet has posted in the last year:
Additional information is available through NFPA's Fire Prevention Week resources and lithium-ion battery safety guidance.
Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market. She has covered various topics from pest management to resilience to sustainability and covers all holidays and special days in the facilities field. She also manages the FacilitiesNet social media accounts.
