Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week graphic: Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your HomeEach year, North Metro Fire Rescue District kicks off October with special events centered around Fire Prevention Week in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme is "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home™." During the month of October, the fire district is focusing education and activities on teaching community members how to buy, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely. Follow these tips to help protect your family, and come join us for one of our Fire Prevention Week events listed below!

Safety Tips to Avoid Harm from Lithium-Ion Batteries

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. 

Here's a three-step approach to help protect you and your family from hazards involving 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 important 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 came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. 
  • 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.

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 call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

Schedule of Events

October 4 - Fire Safety Open House and Cookout in Broomfield

  • Station 61, 1275 W. Midway Blvd., Broomfield
  • 12 - 2 p.m. 
  • Fire engine and ambulance tours, station tours, CPR education, fire extinguisher training, kitchen safety demo, and additional interactive activities for the entire family
  • Enjoy a hot dog cookout with our firefighters

October 7 - Story Time with the Broomfield Library 

October 11 - Fire Safety Open House and Cookout in Northglenn

  • Station 62, 10550 Huron St., Northglenn
  • 12 - 2 p.m. 
  • Fire engine and ambulance tours, station tours, CPR education, fire extinguisher training, kitchen safety demo, and additional interactive activities for the entire family
  • Enjoy a hot dog cookout with our firefighters

A Video on Lithium-Ion Batteries from the NFPA