As reported by the FDNY, Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, alongside other FDNY officials, hosted a two-day symposium at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island, New York, from October 29.
Attendees included representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, and fire service experts from cities across the United States, including Seattle, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta.
The focus of the event was to assess public safety risks linked to lithium-ion batteries and to outline research initiatives aimed at mitigating incidents caused by these batteries and micromobility devices, such as e-bikes.
Fire Commissioner Tucker opened the symposium by stressing the urgency of collaborative efforts, particularly regarding knowledge sharing.
He stated: “The FDNY is proud to partner with all of you in our effort to solve this problem.
“We want to hear from you—we especially want to know what you know.”
He underscored that lithium-ion battery incidents extend beyond New York, affecting communities nationally and globally.
The two-day symposium included targeted breakout sessions that addressed various aspects of lithium-ion battery safety.
Key topics of discussion included utilizing scientific research to develop solutions for first responders, implementing community risk reduction strategies, and refining emergency response protocols specific to lithium-ion battery fires.
These sessions were designed to facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange among agencies to build cohesive and effective safety practices.
Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn of the FDNY spoke on the challenges posed by these batteries, labeling the issue as an “emerging threat.”
He emphasized that current legislation has not fully addressed the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and expressed the FDNY’s readiness to share collected data to aid in federal safety measures.
Flynn added: “We also appreciate any efforts that you can make on behalf of the federal legislation that is still pending.”
The increase in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries has raised alarms at various levels of government.
In response to the surge, Congress passed H.R. 1797, titled the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act,” earlier in 2024.
The FDNY has actively advocated for the passage of a companion bill in the Senate, which would enhance regulatory measures around these devices.
Commissioner Tucker has publicly supported legislative efforts to better address the risks posed by these batteries and micromobility devices, citing the impact such incidents have had in New York City and other regions.
In New York alone, fires attributed to lithium-ion batteries have resulted in five fatalities and 91 injuries this year.
FDNY officials highlighted these statistics as they pressed for comprehensive measures to manage the growing number of safety concerns associated with lithium-ion-powered devices.
During the event, officials from the DHS and other federal agencies reiterated the importance of developing robust safety standards.
Through these collaborative discussions, FDNY and its federal partners aimed to set a research-and-development agenda that could lead to improved safety protocols nationwide.
DHS representatives and local fire service experts reviewed recent data on battery incidents and examined ways to incorporate technological advances into emergency responses.
FDNY officials stated that cooperation among federal and local entities is vital for effectively reducing risks and responding to battery-related incidents.
The knowledge-sharing sessions provided participants with strategies to reduce risks and manage incidents as they occur.
Commissioner Tucker urged attendees to use the symposium to exchange insights and develop innovative approaches to safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries.
The FDNY recently hosted a two-day symposium at its Fire Academy in New York, focusing on lithium-ion battery safety and public risk reduction.
FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell were among the key figures leading discussions on the safety concerns posed by lithium-ion batteries and micromobility devices, such as e-bikes.
The event, which included DHS officials and fire service representatives from across the U.S., featured sessions aimed at knowledge sharing and safety strategy development.
Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn highlighted the need for updated legislation, describing battery-related fires as a growing issue.
Congress has passed H.R. 1797, seeking to regulate consumer safety for lithium-ion batteries, and the FDNY continues to support further legislative efforts to improve safety measures nationwide.
