Title: Lithium-Ion Batteries Blamed for Deadly Chinatown Fire in New York City
Date: June 20, 2023
By Ali Bauman, Alice Gainer, Elijah Westbrook
Four people were tragically killed and two are currently fighting for their lives after a devastating fire broke out at an e-bike repair shop in Chinatown, Manhattan on Tuesday morning. The fire quickly spread to the apartments located above the shop, resulting in a massive response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
According to the FDNY, the cause of the fire was determined to be lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes that were present in the repair shop. The sheer volume of the fire made it extremely dangerous and difficult for occupants to escape in time, according to FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.
It has been revealed that the shop had received several summonses from the FDNY over the past two years due to the number of e-bike batteries stored inside and being plugged in. Additionally, firefighters had previously extinguished a smoldering battery at the same shop a few months ago.
Residents in the area are now questioning how the violations were allowed to accumulate until the tragic fire occurred. The melted e-bikes were described as being piled up like lava rocks outside the shop.
The FDNY has been actively working to address the issue of lithium-ion battery-related fires in the city. Last year alone, there were 220 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in six deaths. In 2023, there have already been 108 fires and 13 fatalities related to lithium-ion batteries in New York City.
City Councilman Christopher Marte emphasized the importance of using certified batteries and called for legislation to prohibit the sale of uncertified batteries. The City Council has already passed legislation to address this issue, aiming to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further incidents.
The investigation into the cause of the deadly fire is still ongoing, and the shop owner has not yet been reached for comment. The victims have not been identified by the police, and two individuals remain in critical condition at the hospital.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries and the importance of proper storage and usage to prevent fires. The FDNY continues to work towards implementing measures to enhance safety and prevent future incidents related to lithium-ion batteries in New York City.
Source: CBS New York – https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2023/06/20/chinatown-fire-lithium-ion-batteries/Four people were killed and two are fighting for their lives after a fire at an e-bike repair shop in Chinatown on Tuesday morning spread to the apartments above. The FDNY says it issued several summonses to the shop over the last two years for the number of e-bike batteries that were inside and plugged in. CBS2 has also learned firefighters had to put out a smoldering battery at the same shop just a few months ago. So with all these warnings, residents want to know how violations were able to pile up until the shop burned down.
The melted bikes were piled like lava rocks outside the e-bike repair shop on Madison Street. “I see a huge round flame that melted the gate,” Belal Alayh said. Alayh was working at a corner deli just after midnight when his block began filling with smoke. Firefighters broke through the store’s ceiling to get to the people trapped in the six-story building. “They went into the bathroom that little section for the lightbulbs, removed the paneling and there was a hole. They were able to go up and reach the tenants upstairs, give them a pathway to be able to get them,” deli worker Thiy Alsaidi said.
Six people were rushed to the hospital, where four of them died, including a 71-year-old man and 62-year-old woman. FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the cause was lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes in the repair shop. “The sheer volume of fire is incredibly dangerous. It can make it nearly impossible to get out in time,” Kavanagh said. The FDNY says it issued several summonses to the shop over the last two years relating to the wiring and storage of e-bike batteries. In August, the business was ordered in court to pay a $1,600 fine. A month later, firefighters had to extinguish a smoking battery in the front shed.
Last year, there were 220 fires in New York City started by lithium-ion batteries, with six deaths. So far this year they have caused 108 fires with 13 deaths. “I think the real issue is uncertified versus certified batteries. A lot of these fires are coming from uncertified batteries,” City Councilman Christopher Marte said. “The City Council passed legislation to do away with these uncertified batteries and for sellers to only sell certified ones. Dozens of people were displaced from their homes. It’s a sad day here.” “It’s imperative we not have bikes that blow up,” e-bike shop customer Ineetous Holder said.
One neighbor who lives above another e-bike shop just across the street told CBS2 she now fears for her own safety. “We just want to live safely. That’s the main thing. What else can we do as citizens? You tell me,” the neighbor said. Police have not yet identified any of the victims. Two are still in critical condition at the hospital. They’re between 65 and 80 years old. CBS2 has not been able to reach the shop owner for comment.
was laura kavanagh a firefighter
Of the building and their ladder was actually in through the bathroom and people just kept coming out,” Alayh said. FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the sheer volume of the fire made it extremely dangerous and difficult for occupants to escape in time.
The FDNY has been actively addressing the issue of lithium-ion battery-related fires in the city. Last year, there were 220 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in six deaths. Already in 2023, there have been 108 fires and 13 fatalities related to lithium-ion batteries in New York City.
City Councilman Christopher Marte stressed the importance of using certified batteries and called for legislation to ban the sale of uncertified batteries. The City Council has already passed legislation to address this issue, aiming to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further incidents.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the owner of the shop has not yet commented. The victims have not been identified by the police, and two individuals remain in critical condition at the hospital.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries and the need for proper storage and usage to prevent fires. The FDNY is working to implement measures to enhance safety and prevent future incidents related to lithium-ion batteries in New York City.
