Maryland Fire Marshal Urges Residents to “Charge Into Safety” This Fire Prevention Week

Maryland residents are being urged to take proactive steps to prevent fires as the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announces its observance of Fire Prevention Week, running from October 5-11, 2025. This year’s campaign, themed “Charge Into Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” aims to educate the public about the potential hazards associated with the increasingly common lithium-ion batteries found in everyday devices and to promote safe usage and disposal practices.

Lithium-ion batteries are integral to powering a wide array of modern electronics, including smartphones, laptops, power tools, and even children’s toys. While offering convenience and efficiency, these batteries can pose a significant fire risk if they are damaged, improperly charged, or not disposed of correctly. To underscore the urgency of the issue, the OSFM has been tracking lithium-ion battery-related fires since early 2023. Fire investigators across Maryland have officially recorded 102 incidents directly attributable to these batteries. However, the OSFM believes the actual number of incidents may be considerably higher, as many smaller fires may go unreported to fire departments or investigators. This discrepancy highlights the critical importance of adopting the safety measures promoted during Fire Prevention Week to avert potential tragedies.

The “Charge Into Safety” campaign focuses on three fundamental actions: buying safely, charging safely, and recycling safely. To buy safely, consumers are advised to purchase devices and batteries that bear a recognized safety certification mark, such as UL, ETL, or CSA. When it comes to charging safely, it is essential to use only manufacturer-approved charging equipment, avoid overcharging devices, and refrain from charging on surfaces like couches or beds, which can impede ventilation and increase heat buildup. Finally, recycling safely means recognizing that lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in household trash or standard recycling bins. Instead, they must be taken to designated recycling centers, with resources like call2recycle.org available to help locate appropriate drop-off sites.

Throughout Fire Prevention Week, the OSFM’s Fire Safety Inspectors, Deputy State Fire Marshals, professional staff, and K9 teams will be actively disseminating this vital safety message throughout Maryland. Educational materials will be distributed at various community outreach events, including school visits, firehouse open houses, and other public safety gatherings. These events will provide opportunities for residents to learn practical tips on safe charging and recycling practices. Fire Prevention Week has been a long-standing tradition in public safety since 1922, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal remains dedicated to upholding this commitment by fostering fire safety awareness across all communities in Maryland.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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