Oregon launches Charge into Fire Safety campaign as battery fires increase

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- October marks Fire Prevention Month in Oregon and state fire officials are warning residents about the growing hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.

To address the issue, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association on a public safety campaign titled “Charge into Fire Safety.”

The campaign follows new data from the agency's Center for Fire Analytics, Intelligence and Research showing that Oregon fire departments responded to 649 lithium-ion battery-involved fires from 2020 to 2025.

Incidents involving the high-energy batteries increased at an average rate of 19% annually over that five-year span. In 2025 alone, firefighters responded to 161 battery-related fires, more than double the total reported in 2020.

Mariana Ruiz-Temple serves as the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Ruiz-Temple highlighted the risks associated with everyday household electronics, including cellphones, laptops, power tools and e-bikes, noting that damaged or improperly charged devices can quickly trigger severe fires. “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,” Ruiz-Temple said. “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.”

Fire officials recommend several safety precautions to reduce the risk of battery-related blazes. Devices should only be charged using the cord and charger supplied by the manufacturer or specifically approved for the device. Officials also advise placing electronics on hard, flat surfaces while charging rather than on beds, couches or under pillows where heat can build up. Devices should be unplugged once fully charged and users should immediately stop using any item that feels very hot, swells, smokes or emits an unusual odor.

For larger equipment, such as e-bikes, electric scooters and power tools, officials recommend charging outside and away from building exits. Because larger batteries store more energy, fires involving them can spread more rapidly and block escape routes. For air travel, officials advise passengers to keep charging devices in sight, avoid charging items in overhead bins and never charge e-cigarettes or vapes aboard aircraft.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has worked to protect life, property and the environment from fire and hazardous materials since 1917. The department officially became an independent state agency in 2023.