What you should know
- Fire investigators issued a warning Monday for e-bike cyclists after an alarming pattern of battery fires in New York City.
- The FDNY took photos of four fires that the department said started with lithium-ion batteries in the past week.
- These batteries are commonly used in cell phones, laptops, tablets, electric cars, and scooters.
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NEW YORK – Fire investigators issued a warning Monday for e-bike riders after an alarming pattern of battery fires in New York City.
The FDNY took photos of four fires that the department said started with lithium-ion batteries in the past week. Recent incidents have firefighters warning New Yorkers to be careful when charging and storing batteries.
“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,” the department said in a statement. social media post.
Firefighters responded to a fire on the fifth floor of a Brooklyn building on October 9, where 12 electric bicycles were found charging. The FDNY reported four injuries related to the fire.
Three days later, a person was seriously injured in a 2-alarm fire when a fire broke out in a Bronx building. That same day, another battery started a fire in Brooklyn, authorities said.
The FDNY shared the following lithium-ion battery safety tips:
• Buy and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading and storage.
• Do not carry a device under your pillow, in your bed or on a sofa.
• Always use the manufacturer’s power cord and adapter made specifically for the device.
• Keep batteries / devices at room temperature. Do not expose it to direct sunlight.
• Store batteries away from flammable items.
• If a battery overheats or you notice a strange odor, shape / color change, leakage, or noise from a device, stop using it immediately.
These batteries are commonly used in cell phones, laptops, tablets, electric cars, and scooters.
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