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Oregon State Fire Marshal Highlights Lithium-Ion Battery Safety During Silverton Demonstration - 10/07/26

SILVERTON, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal, in partnership with the Silverton Fire District, held a fire safety media event and live demonstration today to highlight the risks associated with the misuse or failure of lithium-ion batteries in homes and workplaces.

During the event, agency training staff did a controlled demonstration showing how an overcharged lithium-ion battery can ignite a fire in a matter of minutes and release toxic gases. Firefighters and experts walked the media through warning signs, safe charging practices, and simple things Oregonians and visitors can do to prevent a fire.

“Lithium-ion batteries power nearly everything we use. When they fail, they can fail quickly and violently,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz‑Temple. “Today’s demonstration showed why safe charging and prompt action are critical. If a device overheats, swells, smokes, or produces unusual sounds, move away immediately and call 911.”

Local first responders, including Silverton Fire Chief Bill Miles, emphasized the importance of knowing the dangers these types of batteries pose. Miles noted that as more people use e-bikes, scooters, power tools, and other battery-powered devices, safety education becomes increasingly important.

Here are six important safety tips to share with your viewers:

Use the charger and cord that came with your device or one recommended by the manufacturer.

Charge devices on a hard, flat surface and keep them away from anything that can burn.

Stop using a device if it becomes extremely hot, begins to swell, emits a strange smell, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

Never move a device that is showing warning signs. Leave the area and call 911.

Charge larger items, such as e-bikes and scooters, outside or in areas away from exits.

Do not throw batteries or electronic devices in household garbage or curbside recycling. Use proper battery recycling options.

Members of the media who were unable to attend the demonstration can view the full video, including remarks from OSFM leadership and experts, at the link below:

[Demonstration video and remarks link here]

For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, Fire Prevention Month activities, and downloadable resources, visit firepreventionmonth.oregon.gov.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Highlights Lithium-Ion Battery Safety During Silverton Demonstration - 10/07/26

SILVERTON, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal, in partnership with the Silverton Fire District, held a fire safety media event and live demonstration today to highlight the risks associated with the misuse or failure of lithium-ion batteries in homes and workplaces.

During the event, agency training staff did a controlled demonstration showing how an overcharged lithium-ion battery can ignite a fire in a matter of minutes and release toxic gases. Firefighters and experts walked the media through warning signs, safe charging practices, and simple things Oregonians and visitors can do to prevent a fire.

“Lithium-ion batteries power nearly everything we use. When they fail, they can fail quickly and violently,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz‑Temple. “Today’s demonstration showed why safe charging and prompt action are critical. If a device overheats, swells, smokes, or produces unusual sounds, move away immediately and call 911.”

Local first responders, including Silverton Fire Chief Bill Miles, emphasized the importance of knowing the dangers these types of batteries pose. Miles noted that as more people use e-bikes, scooters, power tools, and other battery-powered devices, safety education becomes increasingly important.

Here are six important safety tips to share with your viewers:

Use the charger and cord that came with your device or one recommended by the manufacturer.

Charge devices on a hard, flat surface and keep them away from anything that can burn.

Stop using a device if it becomes extremely hot, begins to swell, emits a strange smell, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

Never move a device that is showing warning signs. Leave the area and call 911.

Charge larger items, such as e-bikes and scooters, outside or in areas away from exits.

Do not throw batteries or electronic devices in household garbage or curbside recycling. Use proper battery recycling options.

Members of the media who were unable to attend the demonstration can view the full video, including remarks from OSFM leadership and experts, at the link below:

[Demonstration video and remarks link here]

For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, Fire Prevention Month activities, and downloadable resources, visit firepreventionmonth.oregon.gov.

Rechargeable Battery Safety Demonstration And Media Event (Photo) - 10/05/26

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is hosting a Fire Prevention Month media event to highlight the growing fire risks associated with rechargeable batteries and to demonstrate safe charging, storage, and disposal of this technology. The event will feature brief remarks from agency leadership and subject matter experts, followed by live demonstrations of rechargeable battery best practices.

WHEN

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
Event begins at 11 a.m.
(Media safety briefing at 10:50 a.m.)

WHERE

819 Railway St.
Silverton Fire District – Station 1
Silverton, OR 97381

WHO

Mariana Ruiz‑Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal
Bill Miles, Fire Chief, Silverton Fire District
Rick Huechert, OSFM public safety training specialist
Laura Chaffey, OSFM program coordinator for rechargeable batteries safety

Interview Opportunities

Following the demonstration, representatives from the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Silverton Fire District will be available for one-on-one interviews.

WHY

Rechargeable battery–related fires in Oregon have increased steadily in recent years, making public awareness and safe charging habits more important than ever. This event will offer clear visuals and expert interviews for media covering battery safety, home fire prevention, and Fire Prevention Month.

EVENT-DAY VISUALS

Safe vs. unsafe charging practices
Thermal runaway examples
Battery failure warning signs
Agency and fire district experts available for interviews

THERMAL RUNAWAY (RECHARGEABLE BATTERY FAILURE) VIDEOS

Li-ion [rechargeable] 18650 Cells in Thermal Runaway (YouTube link)
Intentional E-Scooter Overcharge (YouTube link)
Thermal imaging Li-ion [rechargeable] cells in Thermal Runaway (YouTube link)

Attached Media Files: Media Parking,

Rechargeable Battery Safety Demonstration And Media Event (Photo) - 10/05/26

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is hosting a Fire Prevention Month media event to highlight the growing fire risks associated with rechargeable batteries and to demonstrate safe charging, storage, and disposal of this technology. The event will feature brief remarks from agency leadership and subject matter experts, followed by live demonstrations of rechargeable battery best practices.

WHEN

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
Event begins at 11 a.m.
(Media safety briefing at 10:50 a.m.)

WHERE

819 Railway St.
Silverton Fire District – Station 1
Silverton, OR 97381

WHO

Mariana Ruiz‑Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal
Bill Miles, Fire Chief, Silverton Fire District
Rick Huechert, OSFM public safety training specialist
Laura Chaffey, OSFM program coordinator for rechargeable batteries safety

Interview Opportunities

Following the demonstration, representatives from the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Silverton Fire District will be available for one-on-one interviews.

WHY

Rechargeable battery–related fires in Oregon have increased steadily in recent years, making public awareness and safe charging habits more important than ever. This event will offer clear visuals and expert interviews for media covering battery safety, home fire prevention, and Fire Prevention Month.

EVENT-DAY VISUALS

Safe vs. unsafe charging practices
Thermal runaway examples
Battery failure warning signs
Agency and fire district experts available for interviews

THERMAL RUNAWAY (RECHARGEABLE BATTERY FAILURE) VIDEOS

Li-ion [rechargeable] 18650 Cells in Thermal Runaway (YouTube link)
Intentional E-Scooter Overcharge (YouTube link)
Thermal imaging Li-ion [rechargeable] cells in Thermal Runaway (YouTube link)

Attached Media Files: Media Parking,

October Is Fire Prevention Month In Oregon - 10/01/26

SALEM, Ore. - 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 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:

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.
Charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Never charge devices on beds, couches, or under pillows, where heat can build up.
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.
Unplug devices once fully charged to prevent excess heat and stress on the battery.
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.
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 More
Find lithium-ion battery safety tips, downloadable resources, and Fire Prevention Month materials at https://firepreventionmonth.oregon.gov.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in 2023.

October Is Fire Prevention Month In Oregon - 10/01/26

SALEM, Ore. - 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 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:

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.
Charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Never charge devices on beds, couches, or under pillows, where heat can build up.
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.
Unplug devices once fully charged to prevent excess heat and stress on the battery.
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.
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 More
Find lithium-ion battery safety tips, downloadable resources, and Fire Prevention Month materials at https://firepreventionmonth.oregon.gov.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in 2023.