Fire Prevention Week 2026: theme, dates and safety tips
Fire Prevention Week 2026 runs from Sunday 4 to Saturday 10 October. This year's theme, set by the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower".
What the 2026 theme means
It is about the lithium-ion batteries in phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. They pack a lot of energy into a small space, and a damaged or badly charged battery can overheat and catch fire. This is the second year in a row the campaign has focused on these batteries. In 2025 the theme was "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home".
The NFPA does not yet track national figures for home fires caused by these batteries. It says fire departments and news reports show a growing number of incidents (Security Systems News, FireRescue1).
Safe charging tips
These are the habits the NFPA highlights for this year's campaign:
- Use the right charger. Use the cord and charger approved by the device's maker. Cheap or mismatched ones can damage the battery.
- Charge on a hard, flat surface such as a table or desk, never on a bed, a couch or under a pillow, where heat gets trapped.
- Unplug when it is full to avoid extra heat and strain on the battery.
- Watch for warning signs: a battery that gets very hot, swells, smokes or smells odd. Stop using it.
- Charge e-bikes and e-scooters outside if you can, and never next to a door or exit you would need in a fire. Bigger batteries make bigger fires.
Why this week in October?
Fire Prevention Week is held in the week of 9 October to remember the Great Chicago Fire, which burned from 8 to 10 October 1871. The NFPA calls it the longest-running public health observance in the United States. Many fire departments visit schools that week, often with Sparky the Fire Dog, the NFPA's mascot.
Easy ways to mark the week
- Walk around your home and check where phones, laptops and scooters charge overnight.
- Test your smoke alarms and agree on two ways out of each room.
- Ask your local fire station whether it holds an open house that week.
Free posters and handouts are on the official site, firepreventionweek.org.
Themes of recent years
- 2026: Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower
- 2025: Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home
- 2024: Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!
- 2023: Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.
- 2022: Fire won't wait. Plan your escape.
