The Calgary Fire Department officially appointed 12-year-old Kean Hallissey as this year’s Junior Fire Chief today, as the city faces a surge in battery fires.
Fire Chief Steve Dongworth presented Kean with a helmet and official certificate at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Kean will act as Calgary’s chief fire safety ambassador during Fire Prevention Week from October 4 to 10.
His primary mission involves promoting this year’s official safety campaign message, “Safe Charging is a Superpower.”
“Our Junior Fire Chief plays an important role in helping to raise fire safety awareness for everyone, especially young people,” said Chief Dongworth.
The appointment comes as local firefighters face an unprecedented surge in emergency calls across the city.
Officials project a record-breaking 94,000 emergency calls in 2026, driven largely by dangerous lithium-ion battery fires.
Lithium-ion battery incidents doubled recently, causing rapid overheating, explosive flare-ups, and toxic gas leaks throughout residential neighborhoods.
To prevent home fires, firefighters urge residents to purchase certified electronics with official UL or CSA safety stamps.
Furthermore, citizens should avoid overcharging devices, charging items on beds or couches, and using unapproved replacement cords.
Residents must also recycle old batteries at designated city collection sites rather than tossing them into household trash.
Detailed battery safety guidance and local drop-off locations are available online at calgary.ca/chargesafe.
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