National Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4-10, 2026. This year’s theme is Charge into Fire Safety; Safe Charging is a Superpower, which highlights safe charging habits for lithium-ion batteries at home to help reduce the risk of battery fires.

Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Remember to use the cord and charger that came with your device, or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charge can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
  • Charge your devices on a hard, flat surface like a table or desk. Avoid charging them on your bed, couches, or under pillows. While charging, batteries produce heat and if placed on a soft surface it can trap the heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat, melt or in extreme situations, explode.
  • If your device feels hot, starts to swell, smokes or emits a strange smell, stop using it immediately. These are warning signs that your battery may be damaged or failing.
  • When your device reaches full charge, unplug it from the charging cord. Leaving a device sit on the charger can increase heat and stress on the battery.
  • Devices like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools should be charged outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.

 

During National Fire Prevention Week, we acknowledge our brave Leduc County Fire Services – Calmar District Firefighters, who risk life and limb to help protect our community. Thank you!

Left to right: Assistant Deputy Chief Shelley Millar, FF Rebecca Molyneaux, Lt. Tammy O’Hara, FF Marjan Smits, FF Guay Lambert, FF David Littlewood, Lt. Stephen Thomas, Capt. Ryan Vanlooy, Deputy Chief Roger Anger.

Missing: FF Justin Kay, FF Matt Nickless, FF Dane Hopp, FF Landon Carlson, FF Calvin Rutter, FF Ryan Menyes, FF Corey Gray, FF Tony Ryan, FF Ian Escalante, FF Benjamin Keller, FF Joshua Vandeburgt.

 

Join us! Are you interested in becoming a paid on-call firefighter in Calmar? Our 2026 recruitment campaign is underway until Monday, November 30.

As a firefighter, you’ll receive professional-level National Fire Protection Association training at no personal financial cost. You will also gain valuable hands-on experience through training scenarios and emergency calls.

For more information, visit the Fire Services Recruitment page or you can apply now.