Red Bank to designate October as Fire Prevention Week, fire officials stress lithium-ion battery safety

Deputy Fire Chief Iles presented Resolution 25-1838 to designate a week in October 2025 as Fire Prevention Week in Red Bank and to promote a campaign focused on lithium-ion battery safety. Iles said many household electronics “including smartphone, tablet, laptops, power tools, e box, e scooters, and toys, are powered by lithium ion batteries, which if misused, damaged, or improperly charged, can overheat, start a fire, and or explode.”

Iles said the campaign will use a “buy charge recycle safety approach” and that the National Fire Protection Association has reported an increase in battery-related fires, “underscoring the need for public education on the safe use of lithium ion battery.” He said the city will include information in the October newsletter and provide a list of locations where residents can take batteries for recycling.

Commissioners asked whether local recycling centers take lithium-ion batteries. Iles said he had contacted Hamilton County and that the newsletter will list locations; one commissioner said national home-improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot have collection bins and that is where she takes deep-cycle batteries. During the discussion a commissioner emphasized checking for safety certifications on chargers; Iles said the department would include messages from NFPA about looking for UL-listed chargers and approved products.

The resolution was presented and discussed in the work session; no formal adoption vote was recorded at the work session, and the item remains on the regular meeting agenda for consideration.