CFO Ingoglia encourages Floridians to “Charge into Fire Safety” for Fire Prevention Week

Press release from Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia recognized October 5th through October 11th as Fire Prevention Week. The theme for the 2025 Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” CFO Ingoglia and the Division of State Fire Marshal urge all Floridians to take fire prevention seriously and practice safe usage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Taking steps to prevent fires is the best way to protect yourself and your family from a fire-related emergency. Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use in our daily lives, and they can pose a serious risk if misused. By taking steps to use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely, we can reduce the risk of fire in our communities.”

This year’s theme serves as a reminder of the importance of using, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely to reduce the risk of fire in homes and communities. Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy. Improper use, such as overcharging, using off-brand chargers, or exposing batteries to corrosion, can result in fire.

The Division of State Fire Marshal reported 260 lithium-ion fire incidents in 2024. Due to storm surge from Hurricane Helene, the Division of State Fire Marshal confirmed 16 lithium battery fires, with six of those fires associated with electric vehicles.

Floridians should follow three key safety tips to ensure safe use of lithium-ion batteries: buy only listed products, charge batteries safely, and recycle them responsibly to prevent battery-related fires. Proper disposal and recycling of lithium batteries are important to help prevent environmental hazards and reduce fire risks.