The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has been addressing the growing concern over lithium-ion battery fires, which have seen a significant increase in the city. The FDNY has investigated hundreds of these fires, noting that in many instances, injuries and fatalities occurred because lithium-ion powered devices or batteries were left charging near exits, blocking escape routes. The FDNY's Fire Commissioner spoke at a panel in Washington D.C., hosted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to advocate for national safety standards for lithium-ion batteries. The proposed legislation, H.R. 1797, aims to prevent unregulated lithium-ion batteries from entering the United States market. This comes against the backdrop of a surge in e-bike related fires, injuries, and deaths in New York City, with FDNY data showing a roughly 20% increase in lithium-ion battery fires and a tripling of related deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Terrifying video shows how e-bike battery ignited an inferno in a NYC store https://t.co/0FytQ5oLhe https://t.co/s0X0Ct2LnG
Lithium-ion battery fires in New York City increased by roughly 20% and deaths from battery fires tripled in 2023 compared to 2022 — even as lawmakers have introduced new safety measures — according to FDNY data. Read more: https://t.co/T7dx13mb5y https://t.co/xKJjiLVmn7
Deaths, fires and injuries caused by E-bikes surged to record highs last year in New York City: report https://t.co/aUwcGU5ev7
Thursday, @FDNYFC spoke on a panel about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries @usmayors in D.C. She continues to push to establish a national safety standard for lithium-ion batteries. H.R. 1797, if approved by the House, would prevent unregulated batteries from entering the U.S. https://t.co/c9JyThZjIK
The FDNY has investigated 100s of lithium-ion battery fires. In many cases where people were hurt or killed, lithium-ion powered devices or lithium-ion batteries were left charging by doors & windows, preventing escape. For safe charging tips, https://t.co/xlWxiof2Te https://t.co/YeDGHJiRnk