Apartment fire safety news - December 2025

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Take fire blankets off your shopping list

Red fire blanket with the words "Not Recommended" written across it

If you are considering buying a fire blanket as a gift for a friend or family member this year, make sure you read this first.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has not stated fire blanket safety or effectiveness. Additionally, independent testing laboratories such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) have not listed fire blankets as safe to use.

For these reasons, we do not recommend buying one. The best way to stay safe is to have working smoke alarms that will alert you to a fire and a fire escape plan.

If a small grease fire starts in a pan, instead of using a fire blanket, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan has cooled. 

lithium-ion overheated cord

Only use chagers and cables that came wih the device.

Be safe with lithium-ion powered devices this holiday season

Lithium-ion powered scooters and bikes make great gifts, but they can also be fire hazards when used improperly. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode.

The majority of lithium-ion battery related fires the Seattle Fire Department responds to are related to micro-mobility devices such as e-bikes and scooters.

How to be safe:

  • Only use chargers and cables that came with the device.

  • Do not charge a device while sleeping.

  • Do not charge a device under pillows, on a bed or on a sofa.

  • Do not continue to charge the battery once it is fully charged.

  • Do not charge or leave electric bikes or scooters near your doors.

  • Do not place lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot vehicles.

  • Stop using the battery if it shows signs of swelling, physical damage or malfunctions.

  • Never throw a battery in the trash.

 How to respond:

  • Stop using the device if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.

  • If it is safe to do so, move the device outside and place in a metal container with lid (metal garbage can or pot).

  • If a fire starts, immediately leave the area, close the door as you exit and call 911.

Learn more about how to safely use, store and dispose of lithium-ion battery devices in our Client Assistance Memo about safe use, storage and disposal of lithium-ion battery devices.

Apartment fire safety presentations

We are scheduling apartment fire safety presentations for 2026.

Presentations are intended for building residents and staff. 

Topics include:

  • How to respond safely to a building fire alarm
  • How to respond to a fire inside your apartment
  • The top fire hazards and how to prevent them

Request an apartment fire safety presentation by filling out this form.

Question/comments: william.mace@seattle.gov