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Mayor proclaims October 2025 Fire Prevention Week in Newton; Fire Marshal urges lithium-ion safety
Summary
Mayor Rich Stinnett proclaimed October 2025 as Fire Prevention Week. The city’s Fire Marshal warned of increased battery-related fires tied to lithium-ion devices and urged residents to buy certified products, charge batteries safely and recycle them responsibly.
Mayor Rich Stinnett proclaimed October 2025 as Fire Prevention Week for the City of Newton and the city’s Fire Marshal used the floor to explain why officials are emphasizing battery safety this year.
The Fire Marshal told the commission that modern household electronics — including phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters and toys — rely on lithium-ion batteries, which “if misused, damaged, or improperly charged can overheat, start a fire, or explode.” Staff cited National Fire Protection Association reporting of an increase in battery-related fires and outlined three calls to action for residents: buy only certified/listed products, charge batteries safely, and recycle batteries responsibly.
Mayor Stinnett presented the proclamation and a commissioner moved to approve it; the commission adopted the proclamation by voice vote.
