NY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Office of ethnic and community media held a virtual roundtable on recent lithium-ion battery fires and the precautions to be taken to ensure safety.
Our Bureau
New York
A fire killed 3 people inside a Brooklyn home recently which was caused by a lithium lithium-ion battery. “These illegal, uncertified devices are ticking time bombs.” FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
Lithium-Ion batteries are used in various devices. These batteries are commonly used in cell phones, laptops, tablets, electric cars, and scooters. Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly. Like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective. They can overheat, catch fire, or explode.
According to Commissioner Kavanagh, this is a real crisis situation as this is one of the top causes behind deaths in New York city. There have been 17 deaths and counting across New York City in 2023. The batteries are also responsible for 239 fires in the city and 124 injuries. If you go back just 3 years, there were zero deaths from lithium-ion battery fires in 2020. 94% of deaths have been in the non-white neighborhood. This is an opportunity to communicate to the New Yorkers to remain safe while handling these devices. FDNY Smart is the website, accessible in many languages spoken in New York City, dedicated to propagating safety practices against fires.
One of the most alarming thing about these fires is that they do not catch slowly rather the devices explode. When purchasing devices, be sure that the equipment has the Underwriters Laboratories Mark. The UL mark shows that the product has been safety tested. E-bikes are now majorly used by delivery personnel. There are a number of illegal stores coming up selling bikes that do not have proper certification.
The chief fire marshal said, “ The cheapest option may not be the best option. It’s important to buy high-quality products.”
The commissioner explained that fake certification is a huge concern. “We have an inspection team consisting of fire marshals to check on the stores selling e-bikes. Any New Yorker can call 9-1-1 anonymously to report about a suspicious shop. We have gone to Capitol Hill for the congress to pass legislation to ensure safe devices and we hope it to be passed soon, ” she further said.
The commissioner also reiterated the Do’s and Don’ts with regard to batteries – Buy UL certified bike, never put it on charging if sleeping, and do not tamper with the bike in any way.
