Central Pierce Fire & Rescue Invites Community to Fire Prevention Week Open House
Fire Prevention Week focuses on safe charging and rechargeable battery safety
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue is joining fire departments across the country in recognizing Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026, and encouraging residents to take simple steps to prevent fires involving rechargeable batteries and the devices they power.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower, highlights the growing role rechargeable lithium-ion batteries play in everyday life and how using, charging and disposing of them safely can reduce the risk of fire.
Phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, scooters and many other devices use rechargeable batteries that store a significant amount of energy in a small space. When a battery is damaged, improperly charged or exposed to excessive heat, it can overheat, catch fire or explode.
According to data cited by the Washington State Fire Marshal from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 25,000 incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires or overheating were reported nationwide between 2017 and 2022.
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue has experienced the risk locally.
In August 2025, firefighters responded to a battery fire in a second-story Puyallup apartment. A Central Pierce fire investigation determined the fire most likely began when a rechargeable lithium-iron-phosphate battery overheated while charging on a shelving unit. The battery ignited its casing and surrounding materials before the fire began spreading to the synthetic fabric shelving.
Smoke alarms alerted the family, who safely evacuated with their children and dog. Neighbors used fire extinguishers to help contain the fire, and the fire did not spread to the structure.
More recently, on August 25, 2026, Central Pierce firefighters responded to a structure fire in Spanaway involving a lithium-ion battery used for lawn equipment. The battery had been left on its charger for multiple days and was routinely stored on the charger when not in use. No one was home when the fire started. A monitored smoke alarm detected the fire and notified the homeowner, leading to an early call to Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
“Rechargeable devices are part of our everyday lives, which makes safe charging habits increasingly important,” said Division Chief/Public Information Officer Steve Richards. “This is a fire risk we have experienced right here in our community. A few simple choices when charging, storing and disposing of batteries can help prevent a fire in your home.”
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue encourages residents to follow these safety tips:
- Use the correct charger. Use the charging cord and equipment that came with your device or equipment approved by the manufacturer.
- Choose a safe place to charge. Charge batteries and devices on a hard, stable surface and away from clothing, paper, upholstered furniture and other materials that can easily catch fire.
- Watch for warning signs. Stop using a device or battery if it becomes unusually hot, changes shape, swells, leaks, produces an unusual odor or begins smoking.
- Unplug when charging is complete. Avoid leaving devices plugged in longer than necessary.
- Keep exits clear. Do not charge e-bikes, scooters or other battery-powered devices where they could block an exit or escape route.
- Dispose of batteries properly. Do not place rechargeable batteries in household garbage or recycling. Follow local guidance for safe battery recycling and disposal.
Join Us for Our Fire Prevention Week Open House
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue will wrap up Fire Prevention Week with an open house on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Station 72, 3809 5th St SE, Puyallup, WA.
Community members are invited to stop by, meet their local firefighters and learn practical ways to keep their homes and families safe.
The open house will feature:
- Kitchen safety, including simple steps to help prevent cooking fires.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety, including where alarms should be installed and when they should be replaced.
- Rechargeable battery safety and recycling with LRI Waste Connections, including how to safely dispose of rechargeable batteries.
- How and when to call 911 with South Sound 911, helping children and families understand what to do and what to expect during an emergency.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each October and provides an opportunity for families to review the everyday actions that can prevent fires and reduce injuries. Central Pierce Fire & Rescue encourages residents to use the week to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, talk with family members about their home escape plan and take a closer look at how rechargeable devices are being charged and stored in their homes.
To learn about Fire Prevention Week and rechargeable battery safety, visit https://www.centralpiercefire.org/fire-prevention-week/.