Fire Marshal's Office, Waste Services warn about lithium-ion battery fires
Fire Prevention Week, which ends Saturday, focuses on safe charging
NASHVILLE - The Nashville Fire Marshal's Office and the Nashville Department of Waste Services are teaming up to warn residents about fire hazards from lithium-ion batteries, according to a Nashville Fire Department news release dated Oct. 2.
The agencies tied the effort to Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 4-10, whose theme this year is safe charging. The release advises people to unplug devices once charged, avoid charging on soft surfaces such as beds or couches, and use approved chargers. It says anyone should stop using a battery that becomes hot, swollen or smoky.
Waste Services says the batteries should not go in household trash or recycling carts because crushing or puncturing them can start fires. The release points residents to the East and Ezell convenience centers for safe disposal.
Source: Nashville Fire Department news release, Oct. 2, 2026, https://www.nashville.gov/departments/fire/news/nashville-fire-marshal-kicks-fire-prevention-week-nashville-department-waste-services