Get ready to fire up your safety game during Fire Prevention Week, October 4-11! This year’s theme focuses on ensuring your household is educated on how to handle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Join Albemarle County Fire Rescue for a week packed with exciting events and activities for the whole family! Check out our full schedule below or visit www.albemarle.org/calendar, where you can also download the 2025 Information Brochure and Scavenger Hunt Card.

Kick off the fun with us at 5th Street Station on October 4, then explore even more events happening across the county throughout early October. We’ll wrap it all up with a big grand finale at Hollymead Town Center on October 11! Enjoy hands-on activities, exciting demonstrations, and numerous opportunities to learn practical tips for keeping your home fire-safe. Don’t miss out—we can’t wait to see you there!

Saturday, October 4:

• 10 am - 1 pm: Kickoff Event at 5th Street Station

Monday, October 6:

• 11:30 am - 1 pm: Storefront Event at North Fork Research Park
• 6 pm - 7:30 pm: Touch-a-Truck at Kohr's Brothers (Richmond Road)

Tuesday, October 7:

• 7 am - 8:30 am: Coffee and Donuts at Station 2
• 11:30 am - 1 pm: Storefront Event at the Crossroads Store
• 6 pm - 7:30 pm: Touch-a-Truck at Mission BBQ

Wednesday, October 8:

• 7 am - 8:30 am: Storefront Event at the Market (Ivy Road)
• 9:30 am - 11 am: Storefront Event at the ACAC Albemarle Square
• 6 pm - 7:30 pm: Touch-a-truck at Old Trail and Ashlar Avenue

Thursday, October 9:

• 7 am - 8:30 am: Storefront Event at The Market (James River Road)
• 11:30 am - 1 pm: Storefront Event at Chiptole (Pantops)
• 3 pm - 5 pm: Storefront Event at the Earlysville Farmers Market

Friday, October 10:

• 11:30 am - 1 pm: Storefront Event at IGA Crozet
• 5 pm - 7 pm: Touch-a-Truck at the Stony Point Market

Saturday, October 11:

• 10 am - 1 pm: Grand Finale at Hollymead Town Center

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most rechargeable devices use this type of battery. Lithium-ion batteries store a significant amount of energy in a relatively small space. These batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to buy, charge, and recycle these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.

• Buy only listed products. When purchasing a product that utilizes a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark, such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely. Always use the cables that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when the device is fully charged.
• STOP using your device immediately if the battery smells unusual, gets too hot, makes popping noises, or changes in shape or color. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1.
• Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire.
• Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

More on Fire Prevention Week

Since 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.