COQUITLAM, B.C., October 6, 2025 – This year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 5 – 11) theme is about rechargeable, lithium-ion battery safety, and Coquitlam Fire/Rescue reminds you to use, charge and dispose of them properly in order to prevent a fire.

Lithium-ion batteries power many devices in our homes. These include smartphones, laptops, smoke alarms, toys, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, e-scooters and even electric cars. Importantly, these batteries can catch fire or explode if they are damaged or incorrectly used. 

Reduce Fire Risk 

Using batteries properly helps reduce the risk of fire, keeping your property and family safe. 

• Purchase and use all battery types only with recognized Canadian certification marks such as ULC, ETL, or CSA.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use the battery designed for the device, and place it in the correct direction or orientation.
• Use the charging cord that came with the device or a compatible replacement from the same manufacturer.

Stay Alert to Potential Problems

• 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.
• Do not charge a device on anything flammable like your pillow, bed or soft furniture.
• Unplug the device or device battery once it is fully charged.
• Store batteries at room temperature and away from anything that can catch fire.

Proper Disposal

Batteries of any type are not accepted in curbside recycling or garbage collection – do not put batteries in your garbage cart or curbside recycling container. 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.

About Coquitlam Fire/Rescue

Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s mission is to provide a range of emergency responses, fire protection and educational programs designed to protect lives and property from the adverse effects of fire, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by people or nature. 

Learn more about Coquitlam Fire/Rescue at coquitlam.ca/FireRescue. 

Media contact:
Bryan Eberle 
Fire Prevention 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.