Penn Wynne Fire Company will host a free open house on Saturday, Oct. 10, at its Wynnewood station during Fire Prevention Week.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1440 Manoa Road. Families can visit the station, also known as Station 21, to learn about fire safety from local firefighters.

The open house caps a weeklong national campaign focused on lithium-ion battery charging safety. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which has sponsored Fire Prevention Week for more than a century, titled this year's theme "Charge into Fire Safety. Safe Charging Is a Superpower." The NFPA calls Fire Prevention Week the oldest public health observance in the United States.

Lithium-ion batteries power phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and power tools found in most Lower Merion homes. The NFPA said it does not yet track the number of U.S. home fires involving the batteries but noted an increasing number of fires and explosions reported by fire departments, news outlets and other sources.

Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at the NFPA, said in a Sept. 23 statement that not everyone is aware of the potential dangers lithium-ion batteries present, particularly when it comes to charging them safely. The campaign aims to help people practice simple habits that reduce those risks, she said.

Chris Schwarts, president of the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association, told Main Line Media News that the risk is preventable. "We charge our devices every day, but doing it safely is how we protect our homes," Schwarts said. The association's driving message for the week is "Plug in, Power up, Stay safe."

The NFPA's safety tips for the campaign include using only the charger that came with a device, charging on a hard flat surface rather than a bed or couch, and unplugging devices once fully charged. The NFPA also advises residents to stop using any device that feels unusually hot, starts to swell, smokes or gives off a strange smell. The agency recommends charging e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside, away from exits.

Montgomery County fire companies are also recruiting volunteers year-round. No experience is needed. Residents can learn more at montcofirefighters.org.

Upcoming

  • Fire Prevention Week: Oct. 4 through Oct. 10
  • Penn Wynne Fire Company open house: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1440 Manoa Road, Wynnewood. Free admission.
  • More Fire Prevention Week events across Montgomery County: tinyurl.com/FPWEvents2026