October 2026

It's Fire Preparedness Week, offering a chance to spotlight important lithium-ion battery safety and work happening across the state to help keep Californians safe. This month, we’re highlighting our Fire Prevention Week campaign, new resources, and important case studies that support our shared mission of protecting people, property, and natural resources through education, innovation, and strong partnerships.

Charge into Lithium-Ion Battery Safety for Fire Prevention Week October 4 - 10, 2026

Many of the devices in our daily lives—phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters, to name a few—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy in a small space. If the batteries are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. With these concerns in mind, CAL FIRE and the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™—has announced “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2026. Check out our Fire Prevention Week Toolkit and other Li-battery safety tips and information below.

Fire Prevention Week 2026: Good Charge Vs. Bad Charge

Good charge or bad charge? The choices you make while powering up your devices can make a big difference. For Fire Prevention Week, remember the safer way to charge: Use the charger that came with your device or a certified replacement, and keep devices on a hard, flat surface while charging. Continue your safe charging practices by avoiding damaged cords, charging under pillows or other soft materials, and using overloaded power strips. Unsafe charging habits can cause devices to overheat and increase the risk of fire. Small decisions can help keep you, your family and your home safe.

Avoid These Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Mistakes

Lithium-ion battery fires can happen fast, but many are preventable. CAL FIRE firefighters share simple charging habits that can reduce the risk: don’t charge devices while you sleep, keep batteries out of direct sunlight, and use the charger that came with your device or an approved replacement. Stay alert for signs of overheating and keep an eye on charging devices to help prevent fires.

Fire Prevention Week 2026: Inside the State Fire Marshal Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Katherine Butler, Executive Director of the Department of Toxic Substances Control, to discuss lithium-ion battery safety, battery-related fire prevention, and safe handling.

When Fuels Reduction Makes the Difference: Effectiveness on the 2025 Garnet Fire

The Garnet Fire was reported on August 24, 2025, and burned more than 59,000 acres in Fresno County. As the fire advanced toward the communities of Shaver Lake and Dinkey Creek, firefighters and crews effectively utilized twelve different fuel treatments. The fuel reduction treatments completed prior to the fire supported firefighting operations by providing perimeter containment lines, contingency lines, staging areas, and safer access routes for firefighters. Watch the video above to learn more about the Garnet Fire and click the link below to learn more about this and over 100 more Fuels Treatment Effectiveness Reports.

CAL FIRE and Emergency Response Partners Introduce New AwareCA App

Introducing AwareCA - California’s official statewide emergency information platform. Its mobile-first design gives Californians one trusted source for accurate, time-stamped emergency information before, during, and after disasters. Download today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up for emergency notifications near year.

Topics to Focus on in October - December

Over the next few months several important safety topics and observances take place. Check out the links below to learn more and to view educational materials and content relevant to each topic