Press Release: 9/28/2026

New England's Fire Service Leaders Raise Awareness of Battery Safety

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Fire service leaders from across Western Mass and New England gathered at the Big E fair today to promote Fire Prevention Week and emphasize the safe charging of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power countless devices we use at home and work -- and are also the cause of a growing number of fires.

Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest running public health observance on record, runs from October 4-10, 2026. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of safely charging these batteries by using the original equipment manufacturer's charging equipment, charging on a hard surface such as a table or counter, keeping large devices away from doorways and other emergency routes, and properly disposing of old batteries.

Hosted by West Springfield Fire Chief Christopher J. Bartone and joined by the National Fire Prevention Association, the state fire marshals of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont shared practical fire safety information in a press conference outside the Massachusetts Building as fairgoers watched and listened.

Chief Bartone kicked off the event with a reminder that working smoke alarms are a must in every household -- especially as colder weather creeps in.

"As we turn on the heat and spend more time indoors, we start to see more late night and early morning fires that tragically lead to death and serious injury," he said. "So before we go any further, I want to emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms on every level of every home. Working alarms give you time to escape before a fire turns deadly, so be sure you can hear that beep wherever you sleep."

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said that almost all of today's rechargeable devices use lithium-ion batteries, and that battery fires have become more common as they've grown in use.

"Across the country, battery fires jumped by almost 400% between 2020 and 2023. We saw the same thing in Massachusetts, with reported battery fires climbing from fewer than 20 to more than 130 in just a couple of years. And we’re on track to have more battery fires reported this month than any other since we started collecting data. And the hazard isn’t just in batteries starting fires. Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, meaning they pack a lot of power into a small device. That means any kind of damage, including heat from an unrelated fire, can cause them to explode in sparks and flames, spreading a fire faster and further."

Connecticut State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert, Vermont State Fire Marshal Michael Desrochers, and New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey shared tips on reducing the risk of a battery fire:

Be sure to use a battery intended for the device and the original manufacturer’s charging equipment. Generic or aftermarket cords and chargers might be a little cheaper, but they may not deliver the right voltage or communicate with the battery effectively. This can lead to overcharging and catastrophic damage.

When you’re charging your device, place it on a hard, stable surface such as a table or countertop – not a bed or a couch, and never under a pillow or pile of clothes. Softer surfaces like these can trap heat and increase the risk of fire. 

Larger batteries will cause more damage if they ignite or explode. That’s why it’s safer to store larger equipment like battery-powered scooters and e-bikes outdoors and out of the sun, if possible.

If you must store them in the house, keep them away from doors, windows, and stairways. These are your emergency exits in case of fire, and they’re the routes that firefighters will take if they need to gain entry.

Keep an eye on your devices when charging them. Don’t leave them unattended, especially for a long period of time, and always unplug them when the battery is fully charged. Overcharging causes heat and stress on the battery, and it’s even safer to keep it below 100%.

There are often signs that a battery is failing. If the device feels hot to the touch, if it starts to swell, or if it smells strange or starts to leak, stop using it and move it away from flammable items. If the battery begins to smoke, get to safety and call 9-1-1 right away.

Today’s battery fires can involve explosions of sparks and flames. They can release toxic smoke and gases. Recognizing the warning signs can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Bob Duval, New England Regional Manager of the National Fire Protection Association, said fire departments across New England have seen an increase in fires in trash and recycling trucks, as well as dumpsters and compactors. While the exact cause often goes undetermined, officials believe many of them involve lithium-ion batteries being damaged and igniting.

"The safest way to dispose of today’s rechargeable batteries is through a battery recycling program," Duval said. "Don’t place them in household trash or recycling. Instead, bring them to your community’s household hazardous waste collection or a recycling center that accepts them. You can find one near you atBatteryNetwork.org."

To learn more about battery safety, visit the Department of Fire Services' Lithium-Ion Battery Safety page.