Brooklyn apartment fire: lithium-ion battery to blame
A fire in a Brooklyn apartment on Tuesday night has been attributed to a lithium-ion battery, marking the third such incident within 48 hours in New York City where this type of battery was found at the scene. The alarming frequency of these incidents has prompted the city officials to issue a safety warning for residents, advising them to properly store and dispose of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the fire department has urged the public to be cautious while charging electronic devices and to refrain from using damaged or unbranded batteries to prevent further accidents.
In the most recent event, a battery from an electric bike was removed by FDNY hazardous materials specialists after causing a dangerous fire in a Midwood fourth-floor apartment. The blaze, which occurred due to a malfunction in the battery, resulted in significant damage to the apartment and forced its residents to evacuate. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the FDNY promptly extinguished the fire and controlled the situation, stressing the importance of ensuring battery safety for electric bikes.
Firefighters’ prompt response saves family
Firefighters reached the location on Ocean Parkway and successfully evacuated a family, including an infant, from the burning apartment. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered heavy smoke and flames, but were able to extinguish the fire efficiently, preventing it from spreading to adjacent units. The family was transported to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, while an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. However, the fire had already inflicted considerable damage to the property.
Growing concerns about lithium-ion batteries
FDNY Battalion Chief Brian Gomoka emphasized the growing concerns around these batteries, saying, “This is becoming a large issue for the department trying to get the message out, be careful when charging them or use approved batteries.” In an effort to minimize the risk of fires caused by faulty or improperly charged batteries, the FDNY has launched various public awareness campaigns promoting safe battery usage and the importance of choosing approved batteries for electronic devices.
Nationwide efforts to promote safe battery usage
Furthermore, fire departments across the nation are urging individuals to exercise caution when charging their batteries, ensuring that a keen eye is kept on the device throughout the charging process to prevent potential fire hazards. The fire department continues to face challenges with fires resulting from improperly charged or aftermarket lithium-ion batteries.
The importance of using certified batteries
These incidents highlight the importance of using only certified, manufacturer-recommended batteries for electronic devices, as well as adhering to proper charging guidelines. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with using low-quality or counterfeit batteries, which can lead to dangerous and costly fires.
Persistent fires involving lithium-ion batteries
Despite FDNY’s attempts to raise public awareness of potential risks, fires involving these batteries persist. The continued use of these batteries in various electronic devices and gadgets has contributed to a constant stream of fire-related incidents. It underscores the need for increased public vigilance and a more comprehensive educational campaign to mitigate the risks associated with these energy sources.
First Reported on: abc7ny.com
FAQs
What caused the fire in the Brooklyn apartment?
The fire in the Brooklyn apartment was caused by a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery from an electric bike.
How many incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have occurred in NYC recently?
There have been three such incidents within 48 hours where lithium-ion batteries were found at the scene of fires in New York City.
What precautions are city officials and the fire department advising to prevent such accidents?
City officials and the fire department are advising residents to properly store and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, exercise caution while charging electronic devices, and refrain from using damaged or unbranded batteries.
What actions did firefighters take during the Brooklyn apartment fire?
Firefighters evacuated a family, including an infant, from the burning apartment, extinguished the fire efficiently, and prevented it from spreading to adjacent units.
What concerns have been raised by the FDNY regarding lithium-ion batteries?
The FDNY has expressed growing concerns about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing the importance of cautious charging and using approved batteries.
What are fire departments across the nation doing to promote safe battery usage?
Fire departments nationwide are urging individuals to exercise caution when charging batteries and to keep a close watch on the device during the charging process to prevent potential fire hazards.
Why is it important to use certified batteries and adhere to proper charging guidelines?
Using certified, manufacturer-recommended batteries and following proper charging guidelines help prevent dangerous and costly fires caused by low-quality or counterfeit batteries.
What can be done to reduce fires involving lithium-ion batteries?
Increased public vigilance and a more comprehensive educational campaign are needed to mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in electronic devices and gadgets.
