Overview

• The NFPA theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” is guiding Oct. 5–11 campaigns by Cal Fire, Ohio’s State Fire Marshal and local agencies across the U.S. and Canada.
• Durham reports two garbage-truck fires since June linked to batteries tossed in household trash, while Raleigh has logged about a dozen battery-related fires in the past year.
• Cited national data include 245 lithium-related fires at waste facilities over seven years and more than 200 e-scooter, e-bike and hoverboard incidents in 2021–22 that led to at least 19 deaths.
• Guidance stresses buying UL, ETL or CSA-listed products, using manufacturer-approved chargers, charging on hard non‑combustible surfaces, unplugging when full, and recycling at approved sites such as Call2Recycle or retailer drop‑offs.
• Community outreach features school visits, open houses and live demonstrations, including nightly events in Champaign, a Milwaukee kickoff at the Survive Alive House, and a live fire demo Tuesday by North Carolina’s Office of State Fire Marshal.