Fire Safety Week highlights safe charging
Bermuda’s Chief Fire Officer warned today how lithium batteries can cause fires if not handled or used properly.
Dana Lovell shared this message during the launch of 2026 Fire Safety Awareness Week, which centres on the theme “Charge into fire safety: safe charging is a superpower”.
Mr Lovell said some flights had ended up diverted to Bermuda after lithium-charged mobile devices accidentally became wedged between aircraft seats and machinery and caught fire.
He explained: “In and of itself, [lithium] is a benign type of powering device, but if you use incompatible chargers, overcharge it or mishandle it, you could experience an unintentional fire.”
Mr Lovell added that a fire caused by lithium was harder to extinguish than ones caused by cloth, wood or paper. The chemical has even resulted in an E-bike catching fire.
He said charging devices with old or defective batteries next to beds can “generate inordinate amounts of heat” and accidentally cause fires.
Students from Paget Primary and the Bermuda Institute visited the Hamilton Fire Station and took photos with BFRS staff, vehicles and Sparky, the service’s mascot, during the launch.
Ryan Robinson Perinchief, the Minister of National Security, attended to sign a proclamation recognising Fire Safety Awareness Week.
It read in part: “Public awareness of fire safety practices, such as having a home fire escape plan, installing and maintaining smoke alarms and regular fire safety drills can help to reduce the risk of death and injury.”
It added that fire safety week and the theme “Charge into fire safety” theme was also being observed this week across North America and Britain.
Members of the public can learn more about the handling and disposing of lithium batteries at the Hamilton Fire Station on Thursday.
Stakeholders from the Government and vehicle industry will lead this discussion and refreshments will be served during this event, set to begin at 6.30pm.
Mr Lovell said most household batteries can be disposed of at the Tynes Bay treatment facility and that car dealerships will handle batteries from electric vehicles.
Those interested in attending on Thursday at the Hamilton Fire Station should contact info@bfrs.bm.
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