Goodyear participates in Fire Prevention Week

The National Fire Protection Association is focusing this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 5–11, on the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are found in a wide range of consumer electronics and tools.

The theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” aims to increase awareness around how to safely use, charge, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, which, if damaged or misused, can overheat, catch fire, or explode.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at National Fire Protection Association. “Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, most lithium-ion battery-powered devices are used without incident, but reports of battery-related fires and explosions have been increasing. The campaign emphasizes three key safety steps:

• BUY only listed products: The National Fire Protection Association urges consumers to look for products that display a certification mark from a nationally recognized testing lab.
  
  
• CHARGE devices safely: People are advised to use the charger that came with the product, charge on hard surfaces, and follow manufacturer instructions. Charging on beds, couches, or under pillows is discouraged.
  
  

• DISPOSE OF/RECYCLE batteries responsibly: Lithium-ion batteries should not be thrown in household trash or recycling bins. The National Fire Protection Association recommends using certified battery recycling programs, such as those listed on call2recycle.org.
  
  

Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health and safety observance in the U.S., officially sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association since 1922. It is observed annually across the country through local fire departments, schools, and community organizations.

In connection with this year’s theme, the city of Goodyear, has implemented a pilot program to address trash truck fires, which can occur when lithium-ion batteries are disposed of improperly. The city received the 2025 Best Safety Innovation Award from the Solid Waste Association of North America for equipping its garbage trucks with thermal imaging cameras to monitor the hopper, the area where trash is compacted.

The system triggers an in-cab alarm when temperatures reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing drivers to take action if a fire risk is detected. The effort involved collaboration among the city’s solid waste, fire, and fleet teams.

Residents are also encouraged to use proper disposal channels for lithium-ion batteries through local hazardous waste sites or recycling centers listed at goodyearaz.gov/hhw.

Visit nfpa.org for more information on Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety.