Charge into Fire Safety: know the risks of lithium-ion batteries in your home

Released: October 3, 2025 at 11:07 a.m.
Fire Prevention Week is October 5-11, 2025

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responds to fires involving batteries every year. Don’t let your home be one of them.

It’s Fire Prevention Week, which is a great time to stop and think about fire safety in your home and community.

Fires involving lithium-ion batteries can put your life at risk and cause damage to your home and property. Many household items use lithium-ion batteries like smartphones, tablets, laptops, household tools, toys, e-bikes, headphones, and more.

Avoid a fire with these tips:

  • Always charge a device with the cords it came with  
  • If you need a new charger, get one directly from the manufacturer
  • Charge your device on a hard, flat surface. Never charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch
  • When your device is fully charged, unplug it
  • Check your batteries and device for signs of damage regularly
  • Recycle or dispose of batteries safely at any 4R Depot. Don’t put them in your garbage or recycling carts because they could start a fire

Find out more at winnipeg.ca/batterysafety.

Smoke Alarm for Every (SAFE) Family program

Homeowners without working smoke alarms may be eligible to have one installed for free through the SAFE Family program. So far in 2025, WFPS firefighters have installed more than 100 free smoke alarms in homes that did not have them.

Fire prevention week for schools

Throughout the week, schools in Winnipeg are encouraged to practice fire drills, promote fire safety and provide tips on fire prevention to students. 

Fire paramedic station open houses

We also invite Winnipeggers to attend open houses at all local fire-paramedic stations on Saturday, October 4, from noon to 4 p.m.,

Every WFPS station will be open to visitors so you can get to know your local first responders and learn about smoke alarms, home escape plans and fire prevention.

Canadian Tire meet and greets

We’re teaming up with Canadian Tire to promote the importance of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and other fire and life safety equipment. Visit one of our booths at Canadian Tire stores throughout the city to talk to firefighters about these important devices, how to test them, and where to install them:

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, search #FirePreventionWeek on X, Facebook or Instagram.

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.