Newport Highlights Lithium-ion Battery Safety for Fire Prevention Week

Newport officials are using Fire Prevention Week to remind residents to handle lithium-ion batteries carefully, citing the fire risks associated with the widely used power source.

At a City Council meeting, Fire Chief Rob Murphy said the Newport Fire Department has seen an increase in fire hazards involving lithium-ion batteries.

He urged residents not to use batteries that appear damaged, to check them while they charge and to unplug them once charging is complete. The discussion also referenced a recent fire in Lincoln City that was attributed to a lithium-ion battery.

The chief said similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, underscoring the importance of safe charging practices. The city’s Fire Prevention Week proclamation focuses on helping the public understand and reduce the risks of battery-related fires. Lithium-ion batteries are used in many everyday devices, but improper use or damage can create a fire hazard.

Look around your home, and you’ll likely see dozens of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. Cellphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, and more rely on these compact, high‑energy batteries. But when they’re damaged, dropped, or charged incorrectly, that stored energy can turn into a fast‑moving fire that is extremely difficult to extinguish.

The growing risk is exactly why the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is sounding the alarm. New data from the OSFM Center for Fire Analytics, Intelligence, and Research shows Oregon fire agencies responded to 649 lithium-ion battery–involved fires from 2020 to 2025, with incidents increasing an average of 19% every year. In 2025 alone, firefighters responded to 161 battery-related fires; more than double the number reported in 2020.

“As lithium-ion batteries become more common in homes and garages, we’re seeing a steady rise in fires linked to damaged or improperly charged devices,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz‑Temple. “Lithium-ion batteries are safe when used correctly. This October, we’re asking Oregonians to take charge of fire safety by learning how to charge their devices the right way.”

To kick off Fire Prevention Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to encourage Oregonians to “Charge into Fire Safety™.” The campaign focuses on everyday charging habits that can reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and help keep homes and communities safer.

Here are a few simple steps every Oregonian should take to reduce the risk:

1. Use the charger and cord that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. The wrong charger can damage the battery and increase fire risk.

2. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Never charge devices on beds, couches, or under pillows, where heat can build up.

3. Stop using a device if it feels very hot, is swelling, smoking, or giving off a strange smell. These are signs the battery may be failing.

4. Unplug devices once fully charged to prevent excess heat and stress on the battery.

5. Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These bigger batteries store more energy and can create larger fires.

6. When flying, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Never charge devices in overhead bins, and do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on planes.

Learn MoreFind lithium-ion battery safety tips, downloadable resources, and Fire Prevention Month materials at https://firepreventionmonth.oregon.gov.