The Plain Township Fire Department hosts its 29th annual open house Oct. 4, with a focus on lithium-ion battery fire risks.

The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the department's Johnstown Road station in New Albany. It marks the start of national Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4–10.

This year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," focuses on rechargeable batteries found in phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and power tools. When damaged or charged improperly, those batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode, according to the department's event page.

The National Fire Protection Association, which sets the annual theme, said it does not yet track national data on home fires involving lithium-ion batteries but noted that reports from fire departments across the country are increasing. NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy Lorraine Carli said in a June 15 statement that properly charging devices can significantly reduce the risk of fires.

New Albany City Council discussed e-bike and electric scooter regulation in August 2025, with Police Chief Greg Jones presenting potential code changes covering speed limits, helmet requirements and registration.

The department shared several safety tips ahead of the event:

• Use only the charger that came with a device or one approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge on a hard, flat surface, not on beds, couches or under pillows.
• Stop using a device that becomes very hot, swells, smokes or develops an unusual smell.
• Unplug devices when fully charged.
• Charge e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside and away from exits.

At the open house, visitors can meet firefighters, practice hands-only CPR, learn to use a fire extinguisher, explore fire trucks and antique apparatus, and eat the department's firehouse chili.

The department, which serves Plain Township and the City of New Albany, has been expanding. It broke ground on a second station in June 2026 and was awarded a $1.6 million federal SAFER Grant in November 2025 to hire six firefighter paramedics over three years. Fire Chief Patrick Connor said in a November 2025 press release announcing the grant that it provides "a tremendous opportunity to hire additional firefighters and plan for the future."

The open house is free. The department's main station is at 9500 Johnstown Road, New Albany, OH 43054. More information is available at plaintownship.org or by calling 614-855-7370.