Warren County Fire and Rescue to Kick Off Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4

Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services will kick off Fire Prevention Week with a community event focused on lithium-ion battery safety, hands-on fire education, and a new inflatable Fire Safe House.

The event, “Charge into Fire Safety,” will be held Sunday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department, 221 North Commerce Avenue.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlights the growing use of lithium-ion batteries and the fire risks that can come with improper charging, damaged batteries, or the wrong charging equipment.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in many everyday items, including cell phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters and other rechargeable devices.

Fire officials say the batteries are generally safe when used properly, but damaged batteries, improper charging practices or incompatible equipment can create a fire hazard.

The Oct. 4 event will give residents a chance to learn how to recognize possible battery problems and how to charge rechargeable devices more safely.

Firefighters will also introduce a new inflatable Fire Safe House, funded through a grant from the Rotary Club of Front Royal.

The inflatable structure gives children and families an interactive way to learn basic fire safety skills.

Visitors can learn about smoke alarms, home escape planning, common fire hazards, and what to do if a fire breaks out.

The event will also include opportunities to meet local firefighters, see fire and rescue apparatus, take part in safety activities, watch demonstrations and hear from community safety partners.

“Fire Prevention Week gives us an opportunity to bring fire safety directly to the community,” Chief Bonzano said. “This year’s focus on lithium-ion battery safety is especially important because these batteries are part of so many things we use every day.”

Bonzano said the goal is not only to make residents aware of the risk but also to help them understand practical steps they can take to prevent fires.

“We want residents to understand the risks and, more importantly, know what they can do to prevent a fire,” he said.

Among the emphasized recommendations are using chargers and equipment recommended by the manufacturer and replacing batteries or devices that show signs of damage.

Residents are also being encouraged to pay attention to the condition of rechargeable devices and not continue using batteries that appear swollen, cracked or otherwise damaged.

The department is using the “safe charging is a superpower” theme to make those safety messages easier for families and children to remember.

Fire Prevention Week is traditionally used by fire departments across the country to reinforce basic prevention steps, including checking smoke alarms, planning escape routes and reducing common household hazards.

In Warren County, this year’s event is intended to combine those longstanding fire safety lessons with newer concerns tied to rechargeable technology.

The new inflatable Fire Safe House will be a main feature of the local kickoff.

Fire officials say the hands-on format is meant to help children understand what to do during a fire in a setting that is more engaging than a standard presentation.

Families will also have the chance to talk directly with firefighters about home fire safety and emergency preparedness.

The department is encouraging residents of all ages to attend.

For those who cannot make the Oct. 4 event, Warren County Fire and Rescue said it will share additional Fire Prevention Week information on its Facebook page.

The Fire Prevention Week Kick-Off will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department, 221 North Commerce Avenue, in Front Royal.