Fire Prevention Week & Station Open Houses

September 24, 2025 - ROCHESTER, MINN. - The Rochester Fire Department (RFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for more than 100 years, to promote this year's FPW campaign, "CHARGE into Fire Safety- Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." This year's focus on lithium-ion batteries works to better educate the public about how to buy, charge and dispose of them safely.

In recognition of Fire Safety Week happening October 5 to 11, the RFD is hosting open houses at all fire stations on the following dates:

• Monday, October 6, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The station locations are as follows:

• Fire Station 1, 521 S. Broadway Avenue
• Fire Station 2, 2185 Wheelock Dr NE
• Fire Station 3, 2755 2nd Street SW
• Fire Station 4, 1875 41st Street NW
• Fire Station 5, 305 28th Street SE

"Most of the electronics in our homes - smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones and toys, to name just a few - are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or damaged, they can overheat and start a fire or explode" shares Rochester Fire Marshal Ryan Sathre. "This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to make sure the public knows how to handle them safely."

RFD offers these key tips related to lithium-ion batteries:

• Only buy listed products: When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards. Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
• Charge devices safely: Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it and always charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface - don't charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch - and be sure to unplug it or remove the battery when it's fully charged.
• Dispose of/recycle batteries responsibly: Don't throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire. Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them.

"Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they're just about everywhere," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. "Making sure the public knows how to handle them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they present."

Visit RFD's website Fire Prevention Week webpage for programs and activities in Rochester.