Submitted by Donald Alward, Fundy Albert Firefighter & Fire Prevention Officer
The theme for Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™), October 4–10, 2026, is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”
The Hillsborough Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.
The Hillsborough Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the 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 Donald Alward, Fire Prevention Officer of the Hillsborough Fire Department. “It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.”
To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the Hillsborough Fire Department is hosting an Open House at the Hillsborough Fire Hall – 2789 Main Street on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 beginning at 6:30pm.
The Open House will be the first opportunity for public to check out the ‘new-to-us’ Rescue 9 Truck. This refurbished truck carries most of the department’s specialized equipment including Firefighter’s turn out gear, SCBA packs and air tanks, thermal imaging camera and jaws of life, among many other tools and equipment.
The purchase and refurbishment of the new Rescue 9 truck has been completely funded through the Fire Department fund raising efforts like the Weekly 50/50 Draw. That means that funding came from many generous community supporters and the Fire Department is very grateful for everyone’s continued support.
In addition to the new truck, the Open House will celebrate Sparky the Fire Dog’s 75th Birthday with free BBQ Hot Dogs and Birthday Cake. The evening will be topped off with the annual Parade of Trucks where kids of all ages can take a ride in a Fire Truck with lights and sirens around the village! See you there!
“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” said Donald Alward, Fire Prevention Officer of the Hillsborough Fire Department. “It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.”
- 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 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 batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
- When on a plane, 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 respond quickly.
To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the Hillsborough Fire Department is hosting an Open House at the Hillsborough Fire Hall – 2789 Main Street on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 beginning at 6:30pm.
The Open House will be the first opportunity for public to check out the ‘new-to-us’ Rescue 9 Truck. This refurbished truck carries most of the department’s specialized equipment including Firefighter’s turn out gear, SCBA packs and air tanks, thermal imaging camera and jaws of life, among many other tools and equipment.
The purchase and refurbishment of the new Rescue 9 truck has been completely funded through the Fire Department fund raising efforts like the Weekly 50/50 Draw. That means that funding came from many generous community supporters and the Fire Department is very grateful for everyone’s continued support.
In addition to the new truck, the Open House will celebrate Sparky the Fire Dog’s 75th Birthday with free BBQ Hot Dogs and Birthday Cake. The evening will be topped off with the annual Parade of Trucks where kids of all ages can take a ride in a Fire Truck with lights and sirens around the village! See you there!
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