Lithium-ion batteries at the forefront of Fire Prevention Week

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – This week is Fire Prevention Week. The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) set the theme for the week as “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”.

Most of the modern electronics in our homes are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Everything from smartphones and tablets, to power and lawn tools, to e-cigarettes, laptops, headphones, and toys. 

Oshkosh Fire Chief Tim Heiman says while most lithium-ion batteries are used safely, there have been reports of fires and explosions involving the batteries in recent years.

“Basically, any damage to that battery can cause what we call a thermal runaway. Basically, that battery starts to self-heat, has a reaction, and despite whatever actions we may take, like putting water on it, it doesn’t really stop that thermal runaway. And it keeps heating and heating and heating. And basically, there’s an explosion or fire that can result.”

Fire Prevention and Lithium-Ion Batteries

Buy only listed products

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely

• Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Dispose and/or recycle batteries responsibly

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit the Call2Recycle website to find a recycling spot near you.

Appleton Recycling Event

As part of the Fire Prevention Week campaign, the Appleton Fire Department is partnering with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations to hose a community electronics recycling event on Saturday, Oct. 11.

The event provides residents with a safe and responsible way to recycle old or broken electronics, while raising awareness about the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

Electronics Collection Event Details

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
• Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Location: Appleton Fire Station 6, 4930 N Lightning Dr, Appleton, WI 54913
• Cost: Free to drop off items. Optional donations will benefit the Friends of AFD.

The Appleton Fire Department will accept laptops, desktop computers, TVs, monitors, printers, tablets, and other common electronics. 

Please note: Loose batteries (of any kind) will not be accepted at this event. Smoke Detectors

Heiman said the most critical thing for fire prevention and safety is a working smoke detector.

“I cannot stress how important those (smoke detectors) are, and based on real-life outcomes where we show up. If you have working smoke detectors that have alerted you to get out, versus the homes we go to that don’t have working smoke detectors, we see dramatically different outcomes,” Heiman said.

Heiman advised checking the battery on older smoke detectors, inspecting the backup batteries on smoke detectors wired into your residence, and being aware of the expiration dates for self-contained smoke detectors, which can last up to 10 years.