Fire Prevention Week raises awareness about fire risks, promotes fire safety education, and highlights the simple but important steps we can all take to protect ourselves and those around us. It is observed each year in Canada and the United States during the week in which October 9 falls, to remember the victims of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which killed 300 people, destroyed 17,000 structures and left 100,000 people homeless.

Fire Prevention Week 2025 is October 5-11

This year's theme focuses on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries and emphasizes the importance of buying, charging, and recycling them responsibly.

Did you know?

The average four-person household contains 33 lithium-ion batteries (also known as li-ion). They are commonly used in rechargeable products such as:

• personal electronics such as smartphones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, and wireless headphones
• toys like remote control cars, ride-on toys, and drones
• power tools and lawn tools
• portable power banks
• vaping products (e-cigarettes)
• e-mobility products such as e-scooters, e-bikes and mobility aids

They are generally safe to use, and carry the same safety risks as other kinds of batteries, including overheating, fires, and explosions. However, lithium-ion batteries are more easily damaged than other types of batteries and can become hazardous in certain conditions since they are more volatile. Learn more about buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries and check out the video below for important information.