FIRE
PREVENTION

2026 THEME: Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”

 

This year’s campaign focuses on the safe use and charging of lithium-ion batteries, which power many everyday items including phones, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters. The goal is to encourage simple habits that can reduce the risk of batteries overheating, catching fire, or exploding — such as using the proper charger, charging devices on a hard surface, avoiding damaged batteries, and unplugging devices once they are fully charged.

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Fire Prevention Week provides an annual opportunity to focus on fire safety, but prevention does not end when the week is over. The information and resources on this page are here to help our community practise fire safety every day of the year.

 

What Is Fire Prevention Week?

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Fire Prevention Week is an annual public education campaign dedicated to helping people understand how fires start, how they can be prevented, and what to do when a fire occurs. Fire departments, schools, families, and community organizations across Canada and the United States use the week to promote practical fire and life-safety habits.

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The observance has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which began on October 8 and caused most of its devastation on October 9. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has officially sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922, making it one of the longest-running public safety campaigns of its kind. It is traditionally observed during the Sunday-to-Saturday period that includes October 9. Canada follows the American National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s annual Fire Prevention Week campaign, including its dates, theme, and educational messaging.

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Each year, Fire Prevention Week has a specific theme focusing attention on an important fire-safety issue, from smoke alarms and escape planning to cooking and emerging risks in our homes.