New data shows that the FDNY responded to 267 lithium-ion battery-related fires in 2023. FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh discusses how she plans to address the current situation this year.
In Queens, FDNY officials shut down an “extremely dangerous” illegal lithium-ion battery operation. During an inspection on Tuesday, officials found dozens of battery packs and hundreds of lithium-ion cells being used for the creation, modification, and repair of batteries inside the building. Officials stated that some of the batteries caught fire and had to be extinguished during the removal process.
Wilson Scooters, located on Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, received multiple violations from the FDNY, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said that the store not only illegally repaired batteries but also manufactured them. Uncertified and modified lithium-ion batteries are extremely dangerous. They have already caused deaths and if companies continue to operate in this manner, more people will lose their lives,” said Laura Kavanagh, FDNY Commissioner.
In just the past year, lithium-ion batteries caused 268 fires, injuring 150 New York City residents and claiming the lives of 18 others, according to FDNY data.
A fire in a three-story building in Brooklyn that claimed the lives of three members of the same family was caused by a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike, according to the FDNY. 81-year-old Albertha West, her 58-year-old son Michael West, and her 33-year-old grandson Jamiyl West died in the hospital on Sunday. Kavanagh announced the “Take Control” campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, which officials say are increasing every day.
In response to the growing use of e-bikes, New York City Mayor Eric Adams claims that his administration has begun discussions with the City Council to create a department responsible for regulating their use, known as the Department of Sustainable Delivery.
Over the past few years, the city has witnessed hundreds of lithium-ion battery-related fires, powering electric bikes and scooters. City officials blame illegal batteries and chargers that do not meet safety standards for many of the fires and have lobbied federal authorities to tighten regulations on the sale of e-bikes and batteries.
“There hasn’t been a new technology that has become the leading cause of death in fires in this city for a very long time, decades if not longer,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh in November of last year.
**FAQ: Lithium-Ion Batteries and Safety**
**1. How many fires were caused by lithium-ion batteries in New York City in 2023?**
A: The FDNY responded to 267 lithium-ion battery-related fires in 2023.
**2. What dangerous discovery was made in the store in Queens?**
A: FDNY officials found dozens of battery packs and hundreds of lithium-ion cells being illegally used to create, modify, and repair batteries. Some of the batteries caught fire during the removal process.
**3. What did FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh say about the danger of uncertified lithium-ion batteries?**
A: Laura Kavanagh, FDNY Commissioner, said that uncertified and modified lithium-ion batteries are extremely dangerous, contributing to loss of life and injuries. If companies continue to operate in this manner, more people may lose their lives.
**4. How many fires were caused by lithium-ion batteries in the previous year?**
A: In just the past year, lithium-ion batteries caused 268 fires, injuring 150 New York City residents and claiming the lives of 18 others.
**5. What caused the fire in Brooklyn that claimed the lives of a family?**
A: The fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike, which killed three people: 81-year-old Albertha West, her 58-year-old son Michael West, and her 33-year-old grandson Jamiyl West.
**6. What actions is the city taking in response to the growing use of e-bikes?**
A: Mayor Eric Adams has begun discussions with the City Council to create the Department of Sustainable Delivery, which would be responsible for regulating the use of e-bikes.
**7. Why do officials blame illegal batteries and chargers for causing many fires?**
A: Illegal batteries and chargers that do not meet safety standards are responsible for many of the lithium-ion battery-related fires. Officials are advocating for stricter regulations on the sale of e-bikes and batteries.
**8. What did FDNY Commissioner say in November of last year about fires caused by new technology?**
A: Laura Kavanagh, FDNY Commissioner, said that for many years, there hasn’t been a new technology that has become the leading cause of death in fires in New York City.
**Definitions:**
– FDNY: Fire Department of New York.
– Lithium-ion batteries: Type of batteries that use lithium-ion technology to store energy.
– New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP): Government department responsible for consumer protection and managing business-customer relationships in New York City.
– Department of Buildings (DOB): Government department responsible for building regulations and oversight in New York City.
– New York City Department of Environmental Protection: Government department responsible for environmental protection in New York City.
– E-bike: Electric bicycle.
**Suggested links:**
FDNY Official website
New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
New York City Department of Buildings
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
Information on electric vehicles in New York City
The source of the article is from the blog foodnext.nl