Poudre Fire Authority Launches October Fire Safety Campaign Focused on Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards
Poudre Fire Authority is dedicating October to educating Northern Colorado residents about lithium-ion battery safety, launching a comprehensive Fire Prevention Month campaign that addresses growing concerns about fires caused by the rechargeable devices found in most homes.
The agency announced October 1 that this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," will guide educational efforts throughout the month as residents learn proper handling of batteries that power smartphones, tablets, e-bikes, power tools and other daily-use electronics.
"Lithium-ion batteries power so many things we use daily," Poudre Fire Authority stated. "But when charged or stored incorrectly, they can overheat and cause fires."
The campaign comes after Poudre Fire Authority responded to six lithium-ion battery fires in 2024, according to the agency's battery fire safety data. These incidents involved various devices including motorcycles, vans, and landscape equipment, highlighting the diverse ways these batteries can create fire hazards in residential settings.
Growing Fire Risk Requires Prevention Focus
Fire Prevention Week runs October 5-11, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but Poudre Fire Authority plans month-long educational activities to address what fire officials consider an emerging safety concern for Northern Colorado families.
Lithium-ion battery fires represent a small percentage of residential fire responses regionally, but these incidents can cause rapid fire spread and produce toxic smoke, making prevention education essential for community safety, according to fire safety experts.
The National Fire Protection Association, which established Fire Prevention Week in 1925, 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.
Between 2013 and 2020, lithium-ion batteries caused 245 fires at 64 waste management facilities across the United States, according to Environmental Protection Agency analysis, demonstrating the importance of proper disposal procedures.
Local Recycling Options Available
Larimer County residents have multiple options for safe battery disposal through local recycling programs designed to prevent environmental hazards and fire risks.
The Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts lithium-ion batteries free for residents, though batteries over 300 watt-hours are excluded. Additional options include the Fort Collins Timberline Recycling Center and City of Loveland Recycling Center, both accepting lithium-ion batteries with varying fee structures, according to Larimer County solid waste guidelines.
Batteries Plus locations also accept recycled batteries for a per-pound fee. All facilities require residents to tape battery terminals with clear tape before drop-off to prevent accidental discharge during transport and storage.
The recycling emphasis supports broader fire prevention goals, as improperly disposed batteries in household trash can cause fires in garbage trucks and waste facilities, creating risks beyond individual homes.
Safety Guidelines for Home Use
Fire officials recommend specific precautions for lithium-ion battery safety in residential settings, focusing on proper charging, storage, and usage practices.
The National Fire Protection Association advises charging devices between 41 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit, storing batteries in dry, well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials, and avoiding damaged charging cables or equipment. Residents should never charge batteries overnight or leave devices unattended during charging cycles.
Warning signs of battery problems include swelling, unusual heat generation, strange odors, or visible damage to battery casings. Devices showing these symptoms should be discontinued immediately and taken to appropriate recycling centers for safe disposal.
Poudre Fire Authority serves approximately 235 square miles across Larimer and Weld Counties through 13 fire stations, responding to structure fires, medical emergencies, and wildfire incidents with approximately 230 full-time equivalent employees.
The agency's Fire Prevention Month activities will include tips, local recycling information, and community events designed to help Northern Colorado families safely buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion battery devices.
The campaign builds on recent educational initiatives about emergency services and will follow the agency's Annual Open House at Station 3 on October 4, which will feature similar battery safety education alongside traditional fire prevention activities.
For more information about Fire Prevention Month activities or lithium-ion battery safety resources, residents can contact Poudre Fire Authority through their website or social media channels.