The Eastchester Fire District is warning residents about lithium-ion battery fire risks during Fire Prevention Week, which ends Saturday, Oct. 10.

The district posted a civic alert on Monday, Oct. 5, promoting this year's national theme: "Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." The campaign targets everyday charging habits that can reduce the risk of battery fires in homes.

Lithium-ion batteries power a growing list of household items, including tablets, power tools, toys and electric scooters. The batteries store large amounts of energy in a small space. If damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, catch fire or explode, according to the National Fire Protection Association, which sponsors Fire Prevention Week.

The NFPA does not yet track the number of U.S. home fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. But fire departments across the country are reporting a rising number of incidents, the organization said.

"Our goal for this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign is to help people make informed choices and practice simple habits that can help greatly reduce those risks," Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy, said in a Sept. 23 press release announcing the theme.

The NFPA recommends several precautions:

  • Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
  • Charge devices on a hard, flat surface, not on beds, couches or under pillows.
  • Stop using a device that feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking or has a strange smell.
  • Unplug devices when fully charged.
  • Charge e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside and away from exits.

The Eastchester Fire District serves the Town of Eastchester and the Villages of Tuckahoe and Bronxville. The department has dealt with lithium-ion battery fires before. In May 2023, crews extinguished a battery fire in a private carting truck in the rear parking area of a row of stores on White Plains Road after the driver noticed smoke, according to a department post at the time.

Fire Prevention Week ends Oct. 10.