Charge up your fire safety knowledge this Fire Prevention Week

Every October, Fire Prevention Week is a reminder that fire safety starts with simple actions at home. From October 4 to 10, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) is encouraging residents to learn how safe device charging habits can help prevent fires and keep homes, families and communities safe. Meet MFES members at various locations in the city during the week to learn about fire safety.

Fire Prevention Week is an annual public education campaign that helps people learn how to prevent fires and stay safe in an emergency. Observed across North America, it provides an opportunity for residents to refresh their fire safety knowledge, review emergency plans and learn about fire risks that affect homes and communities today.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can reduce the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are found in many devices people use every day including cell phones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools. They store a large amount of energy in a small space and can become dangerous if they are damaged, used incorrectly or charged improperly.

The theme reflects a growing concern for fire services across North America. As rechargeable batteries become more common in homes, workplaces and transportation devices, fire departments are responding to more incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. MFES has identified lithium-ion batteries as the city’s fastest-growing ignition source, recording a 122 per cent increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires in 2025 compared to the year before. These fires can start suddenly, spread quickly and are often difficult to extinguish. With these batteries becoming more common in devices that residents use every day, understanding how to charge, use and store them safely can help prevent fires and protect the people, places and things that we care about.

Battery charging safety tips

With more incidents related to battery fires occurring in Mississauga, it is important to understand how to safely use them. MFES encourages residents to:

• Only purchase products, replacement batteries and chargers from reputable manufacturers. Avoid aftermarket, modified or counterfeit battery components that may lack important safety protections.
• Never modify, tamper with or attempt to repair batteries yourself.
• Charge batteries on hard, non-combustible surfaces, away from beds, couches, carpets and other combustible materials.
• Avoid charging devices overnight or close to where you sleep, as they can overheat and could catch fire.
• If you notice a battery is swollen, bulging, overheating or making strange noises, stop using it immediately.

Fire safety tips for the fall

As temperatures cool and people spend more time indoors, MFES encourages residents to review these fire safety basics:

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms every month.
• Review and practise your home escape plan with everyone in your household.
• Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable items away from the stove.
• Keep space heaters at least one metre from anything that can burn.
• Store matches and lighters out of reach from children.
• Make sure pathways and exits remain clear and accessible.

Meet Mississauga Fire Education Team

During Fire Prevention Week, MFES will participate in community events across Mississauga to share fire safety information, answer questions and provide practical tips residents can use at home. Community outreach activities give residents an opportunity to connect with  public educators while learning about everyday actions that can help prevent fires.

Registration is not required. Community appearances during Fire Prevention Week include:

• Monday, October 5
  • 10 a.m. to noon at University of Toronto Mississauga – William G. Davis Building
  • 3 to 5 p.m. at Erin Meadows Community Centre
  • 4 to 6 p.m. at Burnhamthorpe Community Centre
• Tuesday, October 6
  • 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Malton Youth Hub
  • 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Peel Youth Village
• Wednesday, October 7
  • 10 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m. at Square One Shopping Centre
• Thursday, October 8
  • 4 to 6 p.m. at Loblaws McLaughlin Road (5970 McLaughlin Road)
  • 4 to 6 p.m. at Real Canadian Superstore (Dundas & Mavis)

Residents can also visit the Fire Prevention Week web page throughout the week to:

• Learn more about this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme.
• Access fire safety resources and educational materials.
• Find additional information about lithium-ion battery safety.
• Stay up to date on Fire Prevention Week activities and community outreach events.

For more information about lithium-ion battery safety, including warning signs and prevention tips, visit mississauga.ca/fire.

Tags

• Emergency and Preparedness
• Fire and Emergency Services
• Public Safety