Summit Fire Chief Warns: Charging Habits That Cause Home Fires

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices—phones, tablets, e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. They also present a hidden fire risk if charged improperly. Summit Fire Chief Brian Harnois is warning residents to pay attention to charging habits as Fire Prevention Week runs through Saturday, October 10.

"When devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are improperly charged, they can overheat and start a fire or even explode," Harnois said.

The national Fire Prevention Week campaign this year focuses on battery safety. The theme: "Safe Charging is a Superpower."

The Risks

Devices charged on soft surfaces like pillows, beds, or couches create fire hazards. Heat generated during charging can be trapped, restricted airflow stresses the battery, and the risk of fire increases. Larger devices—e-bikes, scooters, and power tools—store more energy. If a lithium-ion battery fails on one of these items, a fire can grow quickly.

Safe Charging Practices

The Summit Fire Department recommends these steps to charge safely:

Use the right charger. Use only the cord and charger supplied with the device or approved by its manufacturer. An incompatible charger can damage the battery and increase fire risk.

Charge on hard, flat surfaces. A desk, table, or similar hard surface is safest. Never charge on a pillow, bed, couch, or soft surface that traps heat or restricts airflow.

Unplug when fully charged. Leaving devices connected after reaching full charge increases heat and stress on the battery. Disconnect once charging is complete.

Charge larger equipment outside when possible. E-bikes, scooters, and power tools should be charged outdoors to reduce fire risk in the home. If indoor charging is necessary, never block an exit with the equipment or charger.

Watch for warning signs. Stop using a device immediately if you notice excessive heat, swelling, unusual smells, leaking, smoke, or popping and hissing sounds. These indicate a failing battery.

Air Travel Safety

The department also provided guidance for travelers. Keep charging devices where you can see them on airplanes. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes during a flight. If a device becomes very hot, swells, smokes, or emits an unusual smell during flight, alert a flight attendant immediately.

A Simple Choice With Big Impact

Fire Chief Harnois emphasized the importance of changing habits now. "Making small, smart choices when we charge our devices can make a big difference when it comes to fire safety. We hope this campaign will be a helpful reminder of safe charging habits that residents can implement every time they go to charge an electronic device."

Fire Prevention Week runs through Saturday, October 10. For more information, contact the Summit Fire Department or visit the National Fire Protection Association website.

FAQ

Q: Why are lithium-ion batteries a fire risk?

A: When lithium-ion batteries are improperly charged, they can overheat and catch fire or even explode. Heat buildup, incompatible chargers, leaving devices plugged in after full charge, and improper charging locations all increase the risk.

Q: What is the safest way to charge my phone?

A: Charge your phone on a hard, flat surface like a desk or table using the charger supplied by the manufacturer or an approved alternative. Unplug it once it reaches full charge. Never charge on a pillow, bed, or couch where heat can be trapped.

Q: Why shouldn't I charge on a pillow or bed?

A: Soft surfaces like pillows and beds trap heat and restrict airflow around the device. This heat buildup stresses the battery and increases the risk of overheating, fire, or explosion. Hard, flat surfaces allow airflow and heat dissipation.

Q: Can I use any charger with my device?

A: No. Use only the charger supplied with your device or one explicitly approved by the manufacturer. Incompatible chargers can damage the battery and increase the fire risk.

Q: What should I do if my device starts to show warning signs?

A: Stop using the device immediately if you notice excessive heat, swelling, unusual smells, leaking, smoke, or popping and hissing sounds. Move the device to a safe location away from people and flammable materials, and do not attempt to charge it again.

Q: How should I charge e-bikes, scooters, and power tools?

A: Charge larger equipment outdoors when possible. If indoor charging is necessary, ensure the charging area does not block an exit and is in a location away from flammable materials. Always use the manufacturer's charger.

Q: Is it safe to charge devices on an airplane?

A: Keep charging devices where you can see them during flight. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes at all during air travel. If a device becomes very hot, swells, smokes, or emits an unusual smell during a flight, alert a flight attendant immediately.