Maple Ridge, B.C., Sept. 17, 2026 – The City of Maple Ridge’s Fire Department is inviting residents to its Fire Prevention Week Open House on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Fire Hall No. 4.
The free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to meet local firefighters, explore fire apparatus, take part in hands-on activities and learn simple ways to help keep your home and family safe.
The Open House runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Fire Hall No. 4, 11240 238 St. and includes:
- Hands-on activities and safety demonstrations
- Fire prevention resources and practical tips for the home
- Emergency preparedness information
- A by-donation BBQ lunch hosted by the Maple Ridge Firefighters’ Charitable Society
- Pizza served by Panago Pizza (located at 22441 Dewdney Trunk Road)
- Prizes and giveaways
- Special appearances by Maple Ridge RCMP Safety Bear and Sparky the Fire Safety Dog
“This Open House is a chance for families to have fun, connect with their local firefighters and learn simple safety habits they can use right away,” said Fire Chief Dave Samson. “This year, we are encouraging everyone to use their charging superpowers. Small steps, like using the right charger, charging on a hard surface and unplugging devices when they are fully charged, can help prevent a fire before it starts.”
The event kicks off Fire Prevention Week, taking place Oct. 4 to 10, 2026. This year’s campaign, “Use Your Charging Superpowers,” focuses on safe charging habits for the lithium-ion batteries found in many everyday items, including phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and power tools.
Maple Ridge Fire Rescue encourages residents to keep these charging safety tips in mind:
- Cheap charger? Use the cord and charger that came with your device, or one approved by the manufacturer.
- Soft surface? Charge devices on a hard, flat surface, such as a table, desk or bare floor.
- Fully charged? Unplug your device when it is fully charged.
- For tools and rides, charge outside: When possible, charge larger items such as e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside. Never charge them where they could block an exit.
- Feels hot? Stop using a device if it becomes very hot, swells, smells unusual, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.
- On a flight? Keep it in sight: Keep devices where you can see them while charging on a plane. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on board and tell a flight attendant immediately if you notice a problem with a device.
- Recycle Right: Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take them to a safe battery recycling location (visit call2recycle.org to find one near you).
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.nfpa.org. For more fire safety information, visit MapleRidge.ca/FirePrevention or follow the City’s social media channels.
For additional information, contact Kevin Heard, Fire Prevention Inspector at 604-463-5880 or KHerd@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca