Fire chief warns of lithium-ion battery risks as city proclaims Fire Prevention Week

The Gastonia City Council read and entered a proclamation Sept. 15 declaring Oct. 4–10, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week, highlighting safe charging practices for lithium‑ion batteries used in many household devices.

Reading the proclamation, Councilwoman Danielle Barber cited National Fire Protection Association guidance and emphasized everyday charging habits for smartphones, e-bikes and other devices. After the proclamation, Chief Stough described the Fire Department’s school outreach program and recounted responding to a home fire that he said was caused by a damaged lithium‑ion battery. “It was actually caused by a battery that went into thermal runaway,” the chief said, adding that he had contacted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is conducting an investigation.

Chief Stough outlined public-education steps—school visits, social-media campaigns and demonstrations at stations—designed to teach safe charging practices and discourage charging on soft surfaces. The proclamation was entered into the official city record by council vote.