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Albany proclaims October 2025 Fire Prevention Week, urges lithium-ion battery safety
Summary
The council adopted a proclamation recognizing National Fire Prevention Week and highlighted risks associated with lithium-ion batteries; the fire department promoted a pancake breakfast open house on Oct. 11.
The Albany City Council recognized Oct. 2025 as Fire Prevention Week during its Oct. 6 meeting and received remarks from the fire chief about household fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Mayor Lopez read the proclamation noting that increasing numbers of household devices — including phones, laptops, e-bikes and e-scooters — use lithium-ion batteries that, if misused or damaged, can overheat or ignite. The proclamation urged residents to purchase batteries and chargers from reputable manufacturers, charge batteries safely, and recycle them responsibly.
The fire chief summarized prevention steps and announced community outreach events, including the Albany Fire Department pancake breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 11 starting at 8 a.m., with a firehouse open house and family-friendly activities such as an extinguisher training prop and a "stop, drop and roll" demonstration. The chief also directed residents to online resources for safe battery recycling.
Residents offered brief public appreciation for the department during the meeting; Kathy Rye, a local resident, thanked firefighters for patient enforcement of local rules after a past incident about burning leaves.
No council action beyond receiving the proclamation was required; staff and the fire department will continue outreach related to fire safety and lithium-ion battery disposal.
