Poudre Fire Authority Hosts Fire Prevention Open House at Station 3 October 4

Poudre Fire Authority will host its Annual Open House at Station 3 on Saturday, October 4, offering Northern Colorado families an opportunity to tour fire equipment, meet local firefighters, and learn critical safety information about lithium-ion battery hazards in their homes.

The community event kicks off Fire Prevention Month with fire engine tours, ambulance exploration, station tours, and meet-and-greet opportunities with firefighters. Activities will include trivia contests, promotional materials, drawings, and educational presentations focused on home fire safety.

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," addresses growing safety concerns with everyday rechargeable devices including smartphones, laptops, power tools, and other electronic equipment. The educational focus comes as fire agencies across Colorado document increasing incidents involving lithium-ion battery failures, though Northern Colorado typically reports only 1-3 known residential battery fires annually.

The National Fire Protection Association emphasizes three main safety principles for lithium-ion battery use: Buy tested products from reputable manufacturers, charge devices properly using correct cables on hard surfaces without overcharging, and recycle batteries at certified disposal centers rather than throwing them in household trash.

Poudre Fire Authority serves approximately 235 square miles across Larimer and Weld Counties, including Fort Collins, LaPorte, Bellvue, Timnath, and surrounding areas through 13 fire stations. The agency operates with approximately 230 full-time equivalent employees and an annual budget exceeding $43 million, responding to structure fires, medical emergencies, and wildfire incidents throughout the region.

Station 3, located in the Spring Park area of Fort Collins, is one of PFA's key response facilities serving both urban neighborhoods and wildland-urban interface areas where fire prevention education becomes particularly critical during Colorado's fire season.

Lithium-ion battery fires represent less than 1 percent of structure fire responses in Larimer and Weld Counties, according to regional fire data, but these incidents can cause rapid fire spread and produce toxic smoke, making prevention education essential for community safety.

The NFPA recommends charging lithium-ion devices between 41 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit, storing batteries in dry, well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials, and never using damaged charging cables or equipment. Residents should avoid charging batteries overnight or leaving devices unattended during charging cycles.

For battery disposal, Larimer County residents can use the Larimer County Hazardous Waste Facility in Fort Collins, while Weld County provides disposal services in Evans by appointment. Many retailers including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy offer Call2Recycle drop-off bins for both counties.

The open house represents part of broader community engagement efforts across Northern Colorado fire agencies, similar to recent educational initiatives about emergency services and community safety programs.

Fire Prevention Week occurs annually during the first week of October, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and promoting fire safety education nationwide. The week-long observance encourages families to check smoke detectors, plan escape routes, and learn about emerging fire hazards in modern homes.

For more information about the October 4 open house or other fire prevention resources, contact Poudre Fire Authority through their website or social media channels.