10/10/2026
🚒🔋 Fire Prevention Week 2026 | Charge into Fire Safety!
This Fire Prevention Week, Whistler Fire Rescue Service has been out in our community spreading the word about an important safety issue: lithium-ion batteries and charging devices safely. 🔋⚡
Our crews have been visiting local schools, connecting with businesses, and talking with people around the village about how to reduce the risk of battery-related fires.
🎥 The video shows a lithium-ion battery undergoing thermal runaway — a dangerous chain reaction that causes a battery to rapidly overheat and release flammable gases, smoke, and potentially flames. These fires can be extremely difficult to extinguish and may reignite even after the flames appear to be out.
🚨 Your safety always comes first. If a lithium-ion battery is smoking, swelling, hissing, overheating, or showing signs of fire, move away, evacuate the area, and call 911 immediately. Never put yourself at risk trying to handle or extinguish a failing battery. Our crews are trained to respond — protecting people is always the top priority.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, from phones and laptops to e-bikes and power tools. Knowing how to charge, use, and store them safely can make a real difference.
✅ Use the charger recommended by the manufacturer.
🔌 Avoid leaving devices charging unattended or overnight.
🛏️ Charge on a hard, flat surface — never on beds or couches.
🚫 Never use or charge damaged, swollen, or overheating batteries.
🔥 If something seems wrong, keep your distance and call 911.
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with our crews this week! Community education is an important part of keeping Whistler safe. ❤️
Stay informed. Charge safely. Put people first.
WhistlerBC
