As National Fire Prevention Week approaches, the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding North Carolinians that preventing a fire often starts with simple decisions made every day at home.
National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10, 2026. This year’s theme, “Charge into fire safety: Safe charging is a superpower,” focuses on the safe use and charging of lithium-ion batteries, which power many of the devices found in North Carolina homes, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, e-bikes, scooters and toys.
“Fire prevention isn't just something we talk about once a year — it's something families can practice every day,” said North Carolina State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “We have more battery-powered devices in our homes than ever before, and understanding how to safely charge, use and dispose of those devices can prevent a fire before it starts. At the same time, every family should have working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan. Those simple steps can save lives.”
North Carolina recorded 159 civilian fire deaths in 2025, according to OSFM's 2025 Fire Fatality Report. The report identified 137 fatal fire incidents, with the majority occurring in residential settings. Older adults ages 65 and older continue to be the population at greatest risk, while the absence of working smoke alarms remains a recurring factor in fatal fires.
OSFM's data also shows that fatal fires frequently occur during late-night and early-morning hours, when people are asleep and may have less time to recognize a fire and escape.
“Every number in our fire fatality report represents a person, a family and a community that has been changed forever,” Taylor said. “The good news is that many of the actions that protect people from fire are simple. We can prevent fires by identifying hazards, and we can give our families a better chance of surviving a fire by making sure smoke alarms work and everyone knows how to get out.”
This year’s theme focuses on Lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are convenient and powerful, but they can become dangerous when damaged, improperly charged or used with incompatible equipment. OSFM encourages residents to follow three basic rules:
BUY SAFELY
• Purchase products and batteries from reputable retailers.
• Look for products that have been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
CHARGE SAFELY
• Use the charger that came with the device or one specifically approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface — never on a bed, couch or pillow.
• Keep charging devices away from anything that can burn.
• Do not charge devices while sleeping or when you cannot monitor them.
• Stop using a battery if it becomes unusually hot, swells, leaks, changes shape or gives off an unusual odor.
• Unplug the device when charging is complete and follow the manufacturer's charging instructions.
RECYCLE SAFELY
• Never put lithium-ion batteries or devices containing them in household trash or regular recycling bins.
• Contact your local recycling program or a certified battery recycling location for proper disposal.
In addition, we also remind residents that closing bedroom doors while sleeping can provide additional time for occupants to escape during a home fire.
Modern homes can become dangerous very quickly during a fire. Working smoke alarms provide critical early warning, but residents must act immediately when an alarm sounds.
“Firefighters can respond when you call 911, but they can't be inside your home when a fire starts,” Taylor said. “That is why prevention, early warning and having a plan are so important. Take a few minutes this Fire Prevention Week to make sure your family is ready. Those minutes could make all the difference.”
Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week that includes Oct. 9, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Fire Prevention Week has become an annual opportunity for fire departments, schools, community organizations and fire safety professionals to educate the public about preventing fires and surviving them.
The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal encourages fire departments, schools, businesses and community organizations across the state to use Fire Prevention Week as an opportunity to share fire safe