On a frigid Friday morning, New York City firefighters faced a challenging battle against a house fire in the Flushing section of Queens. The blaze, which broke out at approximately 5:30 a.m. at a residence located at 142-33 60th Avenue, not only presented the usual dangers of a structure fire, but also compounded difficulties including a frozen fire hydrant and the presence of multiple e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.
Initial Response and Challenges
The first units to arrive on the scene were met with heavy fire emanating from the first floor of the building. However, their efforts to quickly extinguish the blaze were hampered by the discovery that the fire hydrant directly in front of the building was frozen solid due to the sub-freezing temperatures. This setback forced firefighters to search for another working hydrant further up the block, causing a significant delay in getting water to the fire. While the search for a usable hydrant was underway, firefighters utilized the water available in the fire engine’s booster tank.
According to FDNY Chief Christopher Paolicelli of Division 14, “When they stretched their hose, they had a frozen hydrant in front of the building, so they had to go up and find another hydrant up the road, so there was a delay in water.”
E-bikes and Lithium-Ion Batteries Fuel the Flames
Once the fire was brought under control, firefighters discovered that the blaze had been fueled by multiple e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries that were present in the residence. This discovery highlighted a growing concern regarding the dangers of these devices in residential fires.
The presence of lithium-ion batteries significantly increases the risk and intensity of fires. These batteries, commonly used in e-bikes, are highly efficient but can be volatile if damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Such fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and can reignite even after appearing to be put out.
Injuries and Emergency Response
The fire resulted in injuries to four people. Two residents sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to area hospitals. Another civilian and a firefighter were treated for minor injuries. In total, 12 units consisting of 60 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene. A Hazmat unit was also called to the scene after the presence of lithium-ion batteries was detected.
The Growing Threat of E-bike Fires
The incident in Queens is a stark reminder of the increasing risk posed by e-bike and e-scooter fires. These fires are becoming a growing concern for firefighters and the public. The FDNY has reported a notable rise in lithium-ion battery fires in recent years. In London, for example, there was an average of one e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days in 2023.
Why are E-bikes Catching Fire?
Several factors contribute to the risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires:
- Lithium-ion battery damage: These batteries can be volatile if damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Poor quality batteries and chargers: Many fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty and counterfeit products purchased online.
- Overheating: If a battery overheats, it can start a chain reaction across all the cells within the battery, leading to a fire.
- Improper storage and charging: Charging e-bikes inside the home, especially overnight, can pose a serious risk.
Dangers of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are particularly dangerous due to the following reasons:
- Intense heat: These batteries burn at extremely high temperatures, making them difficult to extinguish.
- Rapid fire spread: Lithium-ion battery fires can spread quickly and intensely.
- Re-ignition: These fires can reignite even after being extinguished.
- Toxic fumes: The fires release harmful chemicals and gases.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Given the rising risks, it’s crucial to take preventative measures to mitigate the potential for e-bike and e-scooter fires:
- Use certified batteries and chargers: Always use batteries and chargers that have been certified by a nationally accredited testing laboratory such as UL.
- Avoid modifying e-bikes: Do not modify your e-bike with aftermarket parts or batteries.
- Proper charging practices: Do not charge e-bikes overnight or near exits. Always charge them in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.
- Store batteries safely: Store e-bike batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Monitor charging: Never leave a charging e-bike unattended.
- Dispose of batteries properly: Do not throw batteries in the trash. Dispose of them at designated recycling centers or through seller-provided facilities.
- Install outdoor charging stations: Consider installing outdoor battery charging stations if feasible.
- Public Education: Increased public awareness is crucial. Educating the public about the dangers of uncertified batteries and proper charging practices can save lives.
City Initiatives and Efforts
In response to the growing number of fires, the city is taking steps to improve safety. In early 2025, New York City will launch an e-bike and battery trade-in program, funded with $2 million, to encourage the safe disposal of old batteries and promote the use of certified equipment. Additionally, the FDNY is launching a $1 million education campaign to raise awareness about lithium-ion battery fires and the importance of using certified batteries.
Furthermore, the city is taking measures to expand access to safe charging options. New rules will allow the installation of charging cabinets and storage stations in key locations across the city, which will support micromobility users while addressing safety concerns. The FDNY will review and approve each cabinet to ensure that they contain appropriate fire safety technology such as suppression, ventilation, temperature control and automatic shutoff features.
Conclusion
The Queens fire serves as a critical reminder of the multifaceted challenges that firefighters face, especially when dealing with modern hazards such as lithium-ion batteries. The incident underscores the need for greater awareness, stricter safety measures, and continued efforts to mitigate the risks associated with e-bikes and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. With the combination of public education, improved infrastructure, and responsible usage, it is possible to significantly reduce the threat of these increasingly common fires.
