COQUITLAM, B.C., October 1, 2026 – During Fire Prevention Week (October 4 – 10), Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is reminding residents to use and charge lithium batteries properly to reduce the risk of fire.
Lithium-ion batteries power many devices in our homes — these include smartphones, laptops, smoke alarms, toys, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, e-scooters and electric cars. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and purchase only approved and certified batteries and charging equipment. Look for a recognized safety certification mark, such as UL, ETL or CSA, which indicates the product meets established safety standards.
Safe Charging is a Superpower
- Make smart choices every time you plug in. Safe charging habits can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the chance of fire. Cheap or no‑name brand chargers may not meet important safety standards.
- Charge on a hard, flat surface. Devices and chargers create heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces like beds, pillows, and couches can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.
- Always charge on a table, desk, or bare floor. Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds. A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire.
- Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving a device plugged in can increase heat and stress on the battery.
- Charge large devises outdoors. Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. These batteries are larger and store more energy. Fires can grow quickly if the battery fails so do not block exits near large device where you are charging.
Stay Alert to Potential Problems
- Unplug the device or device battery once it is fully charged.
- Stop using the battery if you notice an unusual odour, a change in colour, too much heat, or a change in shape, any leaking or an odd noise.
- Store batteries at room temperature and away from anything that can catch fire.
Proper Disposal - Recycle Batteries Responsibly
Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location - visit Recycle Your Batteries, Canada for more information, or coquitlam.ca/WasteWizard for recycling locations.
By following these guidelines, you significantly reduce the risk of a fire. For more information on the top fire causes and actions to prevent fires, visit coquitlam.ca/SeasonalSafety.
Media contact:
Scott Young
Fire Chief
604-927-6400
FireRescue@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.