Clayton Fire Prevention Week Focuses On Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

CLAYTON — The Clayton Fire Department is taking fire prevention lessons into local schools this month while also inviting families to an Oct. 11 open house at Fire Station 1.

The activities are part of Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 4-10. This year’s national campaign focuses on lithium-ion battery safety.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are found in cellphones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters and many other commonly used devices. Fire officials warn damaged batteries or batteries that are improperly charged can overheat and create a fire hazard.

“Fire prevention starts long before someone has to call 911,” Fire Marshal Michael Tatum said. “Some of the most important things we can do happen before there is ever an emergency.”

Art Contest For Younger Students
Fifth- and sixth-grade students at West Clayton Elementary School, Cooper Academy and Southside Christian School are participating in a Fire Prevention Week Art Contest centered on lithium-ion battery safety.

Students created artwork intended to teach others how to safely use rechargeable devices.

Each school selected a finalist. The three entries will be posted on the Clayton Fire Department’s social media pages during Fire Prevention Week for public voting.

The winner will be announced during the department’s Oct. 11 open house and will receive a gift card and a fire truck ride to school.

Operation Fire Smart
Seventh- and eighth-grade students can participate in a separate program called Operation Fire Smart.

A new video mission will be released each weekday covering topics including smoke alarms, cooking safety, electrical hazards and lithium-ion batteries.

Students will search each video for a hidden clue and record answers in a Mission File.

Each lesson also includes an optional activity students can complete with a parent or other trusted adult.

All five videos will be available on the Clayton Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Week webpage, allowing students to participate without a social media account.

Students who correctly answer all five questions can submit their answers for a chance to win a gift card. Entries are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

“We want students to feel like they have a place in fire prevention, too,” said Capt. Bryan Belvin, the department’s Community Risk Reduction Specialist.

Fire Station Open House

The Clayton Fire Department will hold its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Fire Station 1, 325 West Horne Street.

The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors will be able to meet firefighters, tour fire equipment and watch safety demonstrations.

Activities will include an inflatable fire safety house and a smoke house trailer designed to teach participants how to safely escape during a fire. Sparky the Fire Dog and Ash from the Clayton Pup Patrol are also scheduled to attend.

Firefighters will be available to answer questions about fire prevention and steps residents can take to make their homes safer.

Battery Fires Prompt Safety Focus
Clayton Fire officials said lithium-ion battery fires have become an increasing safety concern as rechargeable batteries are used in more household products.

The department cited an April 2026 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that identified 45 deaths associated with lithium-ion battery-related fires involving e-bikes, e-scooters and self-balancing scooters between 2017 and 2024.

The goal of this year’s activities is to encourage students to take safety information home and begin conversations with their families about potential fire hazards.