Palo Alto proclaims October 2025 Fire Prevention Week, highlights lithium-ion battery safety

The Palo Alto City Council on Oct. 6 proclaimed October 2025 as Fire Prevention Week and heard department officials urge residents to take specific steps to reduce the risk of fires involving lithium‑ion batteries. The proclamation notes that battery fires can be caused by “damage, overcharging, or manufacturing defects” and singled out e‑bikes, scooters, laptops and cellphones as frequent sources.

Why it matters: Lithium‑ion batteries are increasingly common in everyday devices and micromobility vehicles. Council and fire officials said community education and household preparedness can reduce injuries and property loss.

Fire Chief Geo Blackshire summarized the observance’s history and thanked the council for the proclamation, and Fire Marshal Tammy Jasso described local outreach. “We had an open house at Fire Station 6,” Jasso said, adding the department distributed information about safe charging, purchasing and recycling of lithium‑ion batteries and held a K‑5 fire safety poster contest. She told the council the city is pushing social media messages and other materials on how residents can “keep safe when using e‑bikes or e‑mobility devices or any types of lithium‑ion batteries.”

City staff and fire officials emphasized basic, household measures in the proclamation: installing smoke alarms, planning two exit routes from rooms, and designating an outdoor meeting place if occupants evacuate. Council members thanked the Fire Department and invited the fire leaders to receive a photo with the council.

Ending: The proclamation directs residents to city fire and emergency services resources and notes national Fire Prevention Week’s 1925 origin. The city’s outreach during October will include open houses, social media guidance and the children’s poster contest noted by the Fire Marshal.