Lithium-ion battery safety has been chosen by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as the theme for Fire Prevention week for 2026. 

The Calgary Fire Department has identified battery awareness and prevention as a top priority for 2026 that can save lives and property damage.

Know how to charge & recycle responsibly

• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. 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 blue, black or green carts because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit calgary.ca/battery  to find a recycling spot near you. 

Visit calgary.ca/chargesafe to find out more about how to safely manage and recycle batteries. 

Come join the Calgary Fire Department between October 4 to 10, 2025 at Fire Prevention Week events near you. Everyone is welcome! 

Check back soon for event listings.

Did you know?

• Battery fires at City landfills and recycling facilities are increasing due to improper disposal, with over 50 fire incidents reported at City landfills and recycling facilities in 2025.
• In 2025 alone, Calgary has seen estimated fire-related property losses of over $32 million due to lithium-ion battery fires.
• An estimated 88 per cent of estimated losses due to battery fire since 2015 have already occurred in 2025 alone.