Stafford's fire department is spending the week of Oct. 4–10 warning residents about the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.

The Stafford Fire Department and Fire Marshal's Office are partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for National Fire Prevention Week. The department said it will share safety tips through Saturday, Oct. 10, tied to the 2026 theme, "Charge Into Fire Safety."

The City of Stafford announced the campaign on its official social media account on Monday, Oct. 5.

Why batteries are the focus

Lithium-ion batteries power phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and scooters. If damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, catch fire or explode, according to the NFPA.

The NFPA said it does not yet track U.S. home fires involving lithium-ion batteries, though fire departments across the country have reported a rising number of battery fires and explosions in recent years, according to a Sept. 23 press release from the association.

"Because lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology, not everyone is aware of the potential dangers they present, particularly when it comes to charging them safely," Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy, said in the release.

Six tips from the NFPA

The association's campaign centers on six safe-charging habits:

• Use the right charger. Stick with the cord and charger that came with your device, or ones approved by the manufacturer. The wrong charger can damage the battery.
• Charge on hard, flat surfaces. Tables and desks allow airflow. Beds, couches and pillows trap heat.
• Watch for warning signs. Stop using a device that feels very hot, starts to swell, smokes or smells strange.
• Unplug when fully charged. Leaving a device plugged in too long adds heat and stress to the battery.
• Charge large items outside and away from exits. E-bikes, scooters and power tools store more energy, and fires from these batteries can grow fast.
• On planes, keep charging devices in sight. Never charge devices in overhead bins, and do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane.

Contact and resources

Residents can follow the department's daily tips on the City of Stafford's social media accounts through Oct. 10. The Stafford Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Jose Magana, can be reached at (281) 208-6984 at 10210-A Mula Road.

More information on Fire Prevention Week is available at fpw.org.