MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS News) - As households increasingly adopt electric transportation devices and battery-powered lawn equipment, fire safety officials are raising awareness about the serious fire risks linked to lithium-ion battery chargers. From electric vehicles, e-bikes, and e-scooters to riding lawnmowers, power tools, and everyday appliances, the proliferation of high-capacity rechargeable equipment inside residential homes and attached garages has made proper charging habits a vital line of defense against catastrophic home fires.

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Brian Lowe highlighted that the national focus for Fire Prevention Month (October 2026) centers directly on this issue...

A primary catalyst for lithium-ion battery fires is thermal runaway - a condition often triggered by electrical faults, physical damage, manufacturing defects, or continuous overcharging. When batteries remain connected to power sources long after reaching capacity, heat can rapidly build up inside the cells, potentially leading to intense fires that are notoriously difficult to extinguish. To mitigate these risks, fire officials urge residents to establish strict charging routines for all household electronics and motorized equipment.

As the years tick by, fire codes will continue to change as personal needs evolve alongside growing technology...

Lowe emphasized that preventing charger-related fires requires basic operational precautions. Lowe emphasized that preventing charger-related fires requires basic operational precautions... The rapid growth of personal transportation gear - such as electric bicycles and stand-up scooters - presents unique hazards inside residential spaces.

Addressing these devices, which are formally designated as "micromobility" in modern fire codes, Lowe cautioned against leaving chargers plugged in continuously or unattended in garages and hallways. Lowe added that consumers should always "try to use the right batteries with the right equipment". By adhering to manufacturer guidelines, using certified charging units, and disconnecting equipment promptly, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of battery-related fires.

Growth Continues: Fire crews have already responded to around 19,000 calls this year and that number is only going up... Over the past 25-years, the number of calls that the fire department responds to has grown by more than 2,000 percent. In 2001, as an example, fire crews would typically respond to 1,100 calls annually. Over that same time-frame, the number of residents in the City of Murfreesboro has more than doubled – climbing from 72,826 residents in 2001 to a population of about 180-thousand residents.

Need a Smoke Alarm? If your family needs a free smoke alarm installed in your house, contact Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue... They can also install a free carbon monoxide detector. So far this year, they've installed about 130 detectors in local homes throughout the City of Murfreesboro. CLICK HERE to Learn More.

• To learn more about “Community Connect,” visit the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue website or CLICK HERE for a direct link to the page.

• Hear our recent Podcast with MFRD HERE.

MORE DETAILS on Batteries: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) is encouraging residents to take simple steps to reduce fire risks in their homes as Fire Prevention Week 2026 gets underway. This year's official theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," focuses directly on lithium-ion battery safety. These batteries power everyday electronics like smartphones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, scooters, and power tools.

While lithium-ion batteries power many daily items, damaged batteries and improper charging practices can cause units to overheat and catch fire. MFRD Fire Marshal Brian Lowe emphasizes that basic routine choices make a significant difference. Lowe notes that using the correct charger, placing electronics on hard surfaces, and unplugging devices once fully charged drastically reduces hazards.

MFRD firefighters advise residents to charge electronics on hard, flat surfaces rather than beds, couches, or pillows that trap heat. Users should always rely on the original charger provided by the manufacturer. Residents must stop using any device immediately if the battery swells, leaks, smokes, smells strange, becomes unusually hot, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

Fire Prevention Week also serves as a crucial reminder to review broader home safety procedures across Rutherford County. MFRD recommends testing smoke alarms monthly and replacing any alarm over 10 years old. Families should create and practice a detailed home fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of every room along with an outdoor meeting place.

Cooking hazards and seasonal heating also require extra caution. Cooks should stay in the kitchen while operating stovetops or grills and keep flammable items far away from heat sources. As fall temperatures drop, residents should have furnaces inspected and keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, plugging heaters directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords.