Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is promoting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The theme highlights the importance of understanding and safely using battery-powered devices.

Many electronics that are used every day – smartphones, tablets, cordless power tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, video game controllers, electric bikes and more – are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient and found in countless everyday devices,” says Fire Marshal Ryan Bradley. "This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign focuses on helping people understand how to use these batteries safely and responsibly to reduce the risk of fire or injury in the home.”

Fires and injuries from Li-ion batteries are preventable. Keep in mind these safety tips when handling and using a lithium-ion battery:

• Buy only listed products.
  • When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
  • Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
• Charge devices safely.
  • Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch – this could cause a fire.
  • Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
• Recycle batteries responsibly.
  • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries or any household batteries in the garbage or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
  • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them:
    • Household batteries and electronics can be dropped off at the Material Recovery Centre, 7 days a week and at all SARCAN depot locations. Automotive batteries are accepted only at the Material Recovery Centre.
    • E-bike batteries are not accepted at the Material Recovery Centre. Visit recycleyourbatteries.ca to find a drop-off location in Saskatoon.
    • For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/wastewizard.

To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit saskatoon.ca/batteries.

For general information about Fire Prevention Week and other fire prevention resources, visit fpw.org.

As an all-hazards response agency, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is committed to evolving alongside the risks that increasingly affect the community. One pressing challenge facing municipalities across Canada is the growing threat of wildland urban interface (WUI) fires—where natural landscapes meet developed urban areas.

With urban expansion encroaching into formerly rural or forested regions, the boundary between city and countryside is becoming less defined. This shift significantly increases the risk of wildfires impacting homes, infrastructure and lives. 

In response to this emerging risk, SFD is proud to partner with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to host the Responding to the Interface (RTI) training program from September 22 to 25, 2025. This comprehensive course equips firefighters with the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively respond to WUI incidents, focusing on operational response, command, strategy, and tactics.

The RTI program includes:

• Ten one-hour online modules
• One day of classroom instruction
• One day of hands-on field training

The course will be delivered by experienced IAFF instructors from across Canada and the United States. Firefighters from the Prince Albert Fire Department will also participate. Upon completion, successful candidates will be certified to instruct the RTI course themselves— creating a lasting network of trained local instructors who can deliver future training to all SFD firefighters.

“This training not only enhances our operational readiness but also strengthens long-term regional capacity by equipping our own instructors to deliver high-quality, consistent training within our fire service,” says Acting Assistant Fire Chief Travis Brehaut. “We’re fortunate to offer this training locally and we’re pleased to welcome our colleagues from Prince Albert to join us in this valuable learning opportunity.”

Building on the early success of the RTI pilot project and the strategic partnership between the IAFF and the Government of Canada, this specialized training is available at no cost to municipal fire departments across the country.

This initiative reflects SFD’s dedication to proactive preparedness and community safety in the face of evolving environmental conditions.