New York City Takes Action to Prevent Lithium Battery Fires
NEW YORK — In response to a recent tragedy that claimed the lives of four individuals, the New York City Office of Public Safety, along with the Fire Department and other officials, will be launching a new initiative on Friday aimed at preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries at bike shops and bicycle repair shops.
The announcement comes just two days after New York City Mayor Eric Adams pledged to increase surveillance of shops selling electric bikes and mopeds. The fatal fire, which occurred on Tuesday, was caused by a lithium battery in a business that sells and repairs these devices.
“While electric bikes are an important part of our transportation network and essential to many small businesses, our message is clear: there will be zero tolerance for any activity that endangers New Yorkers,” stated Mayor Adams during an event attended by municipal fire brigade and small business commissioners.
According to official data, there have been 13 deaths and 66 injuries resulting from 108 fires caused by lithium batteries so far this year.
The mayor emphasized that the new action plan will include immediate investigations into complaints regarding potentially dangerous storage or handling of lithium batteries in bicycle shops. Additionally, an education campaign will be launched to educate shop owners on the dangers of these batteries and best practices for fire prevention.
“As of now, calls to (911) 3-1-1 about questionable activity at bike repair shops or any other place where batteries are charged will receive a response from the local fire station within 12 hours, in an effort to save lives,” added Mayor Adams.
The tragic fire on Tuesday took place in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan, in the lower part of a residential building. In addition to the four fatalities, two other individuals were hospitalized in serious condition.
With this new initiative, New York City aims to prevent further lithium battery fires and protect the safety of its residents.
How will New York City’s new action plan address complaints regarding potentially dangerous storage or handling of lithium batteries in bicycle shops
New York City Takes Action to Prevent Lithium Battery Fires
NEW YORK — In response to a recent tragedy that claimed the lives of four individuals, the New York City Office of Public Safety, along with the Fire Department and other officials, will be launching a new initiative on Friday aimed at preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries at bike shops and bicycle repair shops.
The announcement comes just two days after New York City Mayor Eric Adams pledged to increase surveillance of shops selling electric bikes and mopeds. The fatal fire, which occurred on Tuesday, was caused by a lithium battery in a business that sells and repairs these devices.
“While electric bikes are an important part of our transportation network and essential to many small businesses, our message is clear: there will be zero tolerance for any activity that endangers New Yorkers,” stated Mayor Adams during an event attended by municipal fire brigade and small business commissioners.
According to official data, there have been 13 deaths and 66 injuries resulting from 108 fires caused by lithium batteries so far this year.
The mayor emphasized that the new action plan will include immediate investigations into complaints regarding potentially dangerous storage or handling of lithium batteries in bicycle shops. Additionally, an education campaign will be launched to educate shop owners on the dangers of these batteries and best practices for fire prevention.
“As of now, calls to (911) 3-1-1 about questionable activity at bike repair shops or any other place where batteries are charged will receive a response from the local fire station within 12 hours, in an effort to save lives,” added Mayor Adams.
The tragic fire on Tuesday took place in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan, in the lower part of a residential building. In addition to the four fatalities, two other individuals were hospitalized in serious condition.
With this new initiative, New York City aims to prevent further lithium battery fires and protect the safety of its residents.
This initiative by New York City is a much-needed step towards ensuring the safety of bike shops and the general public. Lithium-ion battery fires can be extremely dangerous, and the proactive approach of preventing such incidents is commendable. Kudos to NYC for prioritizing safety!