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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Fire Department
602 West Second Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802
218-730-4400 •www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact Kelli Latuska,
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
DATE: 10/5/2026
SUBJECT: Duluth Fire Department urges residents to power up their devices with fire safety in mind
BY: Kelli Latuska, Public Information Officer

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Duluth Fire Department urges residents to power up their devices with fire safety in mind

 

The theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 4 through October 10, 2026, is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging is a Superpower”

 

 

[DULUTH, MN] The Duluth Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week (FPW). This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.

 

Many devices used in our daily lives – phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.

 

“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” said Lisa Consie, Duluth Fire Marshal. “It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.”

 

Proper device charging habits:

  • Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
  • Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
  • Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
  • Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in for too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
  • Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These devices’ batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
  • When on an airplane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to be able to respond quickly.

 

The Duluth Fire Department will host a Fire Prevention Week open house at Duluth Fire Station #7, located at 1419 Maple Grove Road, on Wednesday, October 7th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Everyone is invited.

 

For more information about FPW programs in Duluth, contact the Duluth Fire Department Life Safety Division at 218-730-4380 or lifesafety@duluthmn.gov. To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

 

 

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