As reported by the FDNY, a fire in Brooklyn early Wednesday morning, October 16, 2024, was caused by a failed lithium-ion battery.
The fire, which broke out shortly before 4 a.m. at Box 3606, tragically claimed the life of a 69-year-old man.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker addressed the issue during a public briefing, emphasizing the dangers posed by unregulated lithium-ion batteries.
He urged the public to avoid purchasing batteries from unregulated sources and warned of the risks to both civilians and firefighters.
Fire Marshal Dan Flynn confirmed that the fire started when the battery, which powered a micromobility device, failed and ignited a blaze that blocked the apartment’s exit.
Flynn urged residents not to place such devices in escape routes and to refrain from attempting to extinguish these fires on their own.
During the briefing, Commissioner Tucker discussed the growing threat of unregulated lithium-ion batteries, noting that they have been linked to an increasing number of fatal incidents across New York City.
He highlighted the significant danger these batteries pose not only to civilians but also to firefighters and first responders who must battle the intense and unpredictable fires they cause.
Chief Fire Marshal Flynn emphasized the need for safety precautions regarding micromobility devices, urging residents to keep such devices out of living spaces when possible and never to store them near exits.
He also reiterated that attempting to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires without professional assistance is extremely hazardous, and immediate evacuation and calling 911 should be the priority.
The FDNY is reminding residents to install and maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes.
The department continues to promote the “Sound the Alarm” program, through which New York City residents can request free smoke alarm installations.
In the case of the Brooklyn fire, the smoke detector had been removed, which likely contributed to the fatal outcome.
The FDNY also encourages the public to report potentially unsafe lithium-ion batteries or improper storage conditions.
The department ensures a rapid response to such reports and aims to inspect any questionable situations within 12 hours.
While the FDNY acknowledged that the number of fatalities linked to lithium-ion battery fires has decreased compared to the previous year, officials remain concerned about the ongoing risks.
Commissioner Tucker pointed out that there have been 219 lithium-ion battery-related fires in 2024 so far, with the overall number of fires remaining consistent year over year.
However, he stressed that reducing fire-related deaths remains a top priority for the department.
The FDNY continues to focus on public education and awareness initiatives, encouraging residents to stay informed about the dangers of unregulated lithium-ion batteries through its “FDNY Smart” program, which offers safety tips and resources to help prevent further tragedies.
On October 16, 2024, a deadly fire in Brooklyn was caused by a failed lithium-ion battery from an unregulated micromobility device.
FDNY officials, including Commissioner Robert S.Tucker and Chief Fire Marshal Dan Flynn, urged the public to avoid purchasing unregulated batteries and to ensure micromobility devices do not block exits.
The fire claimed the life of a 69-year-old man, and the FDNY reminded residents to maintain working smoke alarms and to participate in the “Sound the Alarm” program for free installations.
The FDNY continues to warn of the dangers posed by these devices, despite a reduction in fire-related deaths compared to last year.
