The Martensville Fire Department is once again recognizing Fire Prevention Week, and this year’s message highlights an important topic; lithium-ion battery safety.The official theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Deputy Fire Chief James Taylor says the theme is becoming more prevalent due to the consistent increased use of these types of batteries in our lives.
“This year’s theme is especially important due to the increased everyday use of lithium-ion batteries in everyone’s daily lives. They keep us going, charging our 
phones, watches, tablets, toothbrushes, bicycles, tools and the list goes on; however, there can be several safety concerns if they are not used, charged, handled, and recycled properly,” explained Taylor.
phones, watches, tablets, toothbrushes, bicycles, tools and the list goes on; however, there can be several safety concerns if they are not used, charged, handled, and recycled properly,” explained Taylor.According to Taylor, some of the most common fire risks in homes are the ones people tend to overlook. While unattended cooking and improperly discarded smoking materials remain leading causes of residential fires, there has been a noticeable increase in fires linked to products containing lithium-ion batteries in recent years.
“To reduce the risk, these batteries should always be charged on hard, stable surfaces, such as tables or nightstands, and never on soft furnishings like couches, beds, or under pillows, where heat can build up and lead to a fire. It’s important not to leave batteries charging for extended periods and to unplug them once they’re fully charged,” he said.Taylor added that charging cords also pose potential fire hazards, especially if they are damaged, frayed, or of poor quality. “While inexpensive aftermarket chargers may be tempting, the safest choice is to use the charger and cord recommended by the 
product’s manufacturer. Look for recognized Canadian certification marks such as CSA, cUL, or cETL to ensure the product meets safety standards,” Taylor added.
product’s manufacturer. Look for recognized Canadian certification marks such as CSA, cUL, or cETL to ensure the product meets safety standards,” Taylor added.Another important thing to remember is to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries, as throwing them into the regular trash can create both fire and environmental hazards.
To help share this safety information, the Martensville Fire Department 
will once again open its doors to the community during its annual Fire Prevention Week open house event, which will take place on Wednesday, October 8th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Martensville Fire Hall.
will once again open its doors to the community during its annual Fire Prevention Week open house event, which will take place on Wednesday, October 8th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Martensville Fire Hall.The event will feature a free BBQ consisting of burgers and hot dogs, tours of the fire 
trucks, gear and equipment, and a chance to meet the members that make up the local fire department. In place of a live demonstration this year, the department will feature a static lithium-ion battery safety display.
trucks, gear and equipment, and a chance to meet the members that make up the local fire department. In place of a live demonstration this year, the department will feature a static lithium-ion battery safety display.“This display will include NFPA videos that highlight safe practices, proper usage, and correct disposal methods for lithium-ion batteries. It will also feature dramatic examples of what can go wrong when these batteries are mishandled,” Taylor explained.
Aligned with this year’s safety theme, a key focus of the event is proper battery disposal, which prompted the MFD to partner with SARCAN in Martensville to provide a battery recycling box at the fire hall during the open house. Residents are encouraged to bring their used household batteries for safe recycling that evening. Taylor reminded residents that SARCAN accepts batteries year-round and is the best location to regularly dispose of batteries responsibly.
“MFD would like to encourage everyone to take the time and assess their lithium-ion battery storage, charging, and disposal practices in their home and see what improvements can be made toward fire safety,” he said.
As a bonus, the MFD is teaming up with the City of Martensville to bring residents something extra special during their open house, the Big Truck Petting Zoo. Attendees can see some of the City’s heavy trucks and machinery on display where they can climb in and see them first-hand, as well as meet the operators and ask questions.
While Fire Prevention Week is one of the department’s biggest public events of the year, Taylor says community involvement extends well beyond that.In addition to responding to emergencies, members of the Martensville Fire Department stay active in the community throughout the year. They participate in local events such as Buster Days and the annual Show and Shine, help deliver food hampers during the holidays, and 
support public safety through bylaw enforcement, fire inspections, and emergency management planning. Education is also a key focus, with the department offering school programs, firehall tours, and a bike helmet program to promote safety among children and youth.
support public safety through bylaw enforcement, fire inspections, and emergency management planning. Education is also a key focus, with the department offering school programs, firehall tours, and a bike helmet program to promote safety among children and youth.Currently, the Martensville Fire Department has a total of 33 members, which consists of 30 paid-on-call volunteers and three full-time staff, including the Fire Chief and two Deputy Chiefs.
“Within these ranks, our most recent additions include Deputy Chief Jason Marshall, a twenty-year member, who has recently started on a fulltime basis. We also hired for a casual fire/bylaw position as well. At the present time, we are not actively seeking new members. I would encourage anyone interested to follow us on social media for future opportunities to join the team,” Taylor said.
