New York City has 4 e-bike fires in a week: FDNY calls for caution

On October 18, FDNY fire investigators issued a warning to e-bike riders in the wake of an alarming string of fires from these vehicles' battery fires in New York City. NBC New York.

Fire department of new york (FDNY) released photographs of the results of the four fires. All of these fires have stemmed from e-bike lithium-ion batteries ignited over the past week, the department said. As a result, fire officials are asking New Yorkers to exercise caution when charging and storing batteries.

“Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy and can be dangerous if mishandled. As with any product, a small number of these batteries may be defective. They can overheat, catch fire or explode, ”the department said in a social media post.

Injury fires

Firefighters responded to a fire on the fifth floor of a building in Brooklyn on October 9. There were found 12 electric bicycles charging. FDNY reported four casualties in the fire.

Three days later (October 12), one person was seriously injured in a Category 2 fire in the Bronx building. It was caused by the fire of the battery. On the same day, another battery caused a fire in Brooklyn, officials said.

These batteries are commonly used in cell phones, laptops, tablets, electric vehicles, and scooters.

FDNY shared safety tips for using lithium-ion batteries:

• Buy and use devices from trusted sellers
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storing
• Do not charge your device under a pillow, on a bed, or on a sofa
• Always use a manufacturer's cord and power adapter specifically designed for this device.
• Store batteries / devices at room temperature
• Do not place the device in direct sunlight
• Keep batteries away from flammable materials
• If the battery overheats or you notice a strange smell, shape / color change, leakage, or strange noise from the device, stop using it immediately.