Ottawa proclaims Oct. 5–11 Fire Prevention Week; department plans school outreach on lithium‑ion battery safety

The Ottawa City Commission proclaimed the week of Oct. 5–11 as Fire Prevention Week and endorsed a local program focused on lithium‑ion battery safety.

Mayor Pro Tem Clayton read a proclamation that cited National Fire Protection Association statistics and urged residents to maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Fire Chief Dylan and firefighter Jamie Rucker outlined the department’s plan to deliver classroom lessons and field‑day events in Ottawa schools, with classroom lessons scheduled for Oct. 6–10, field days Oct. 13–16 and engine tours to follow. The department also advised residents to purchase products from reputable sources, use manufacturer charging cables, store batteries in a cool, dry place and recycle damaged or swollen batteries.

Staff noted Ottawa has experienced a residential lithium‑ion battery fire and a lithium‑ion vehicle fire in recent years and identified the Franklin County Recycling Center at 2039 South Elm as a local drop‑off site for batteries. The commission adopted the proclamation without objection.