The Idaho Falls Fire Department launched a monthly safety initiative in October 2026 focused on preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. The campaign, titled “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” addresses the growing prevalence of these power sources in everyday devices.
Lithium-ion cells energize smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. When damaged, overcharged, or misused, these batteries can overheat rapidly, triggering intense and fast-moving blazes that threaten household safety.
Safety Guidelines
Fire officials outlined five key rules to mitigate risk. Residents should use only manufacturer-recommended chargers and cords to ensure proper voltage and built-in safety protections. Devices must be charged on hard, flat, nonflammable surfaces. Charging on beds, couches, carpets, or under pillows is prohibited due to fire hazard.
Users are advised to unplug devices once fully charged and avoid leaving them plugged in overnight or unattended. Larger items like e-bikes and scooters should be charged outdoors whenever possible. If indoor charging is necessary, these devices must be kept away from doors, stairwells, and primary exit paths to ensure clear evacuation routes.
Immediate discontinuation of use is required if a battery exhibits warning signs. These include unusual heat, swelling, bulging, warping, strange odors, smoking, or sparking.
Emergency Response
If a lithium-ion battery fire occurs, occupants should evacuate immediately. Residents should close doors behind them if it is safe to do so and call 911 from outside the structure.
“Safe charging is something every household can make part of its daily routine,” said Idaho Falls Fire Department Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett. He emphasized that simple habits reduce fire risk and ensure everyone can escape safely during an emergency.