FDNY: Lithium ion battery sparks fire at Staten Island residence

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A lithium ion battery from an electric scooter caused a fire in a multi-story, multi-family residence in Port Richmond Monday, according to an FDNY chief on the scene.

The “all hands” blaze was reported around 3 p.m. at 1916 Richmond Terrace between Jewett and Heberton avenues.

According to the chief, the fire originated in the rear of the first floor hallway.

And while there was no apparent physical damage to the front of the building, the Department of Buildings was called to the location to investigate whether the residence was structurally sound in the wake of the fire, the chief said.

Water was also in the process of being pumped out of the building’s now-flooded cellar.

The Hazmat team could been seen locking the burned-up battery into a steel drum while the charred scooter was visible on the sidewalk in front of the residence.

The fire was placed under control just before 4 p.m. and no injuries were reported, an FDNY spokesperson said.

Lithium ion battery fires a frequent occurrence

More than 250 lithium-ion battery-fueled fires resulted in 18 deaths In New York City last year, according to data, prompting Gov. Kathy Hochul to launch a statewide campaign earlier in the year to raise awareness about the safe use of consumer products that contain them.

This multi-agency effort educates consumers about how to properly purchase, use, charge and maintain devices with lithium-ion batteries, and the potential dangers of their improper use.

The governor also proposed to restrict the sale of lithium-ion batteries in micro-mobility devices like motorized scooters, unless the batteries have been certified by a nationally recognized testing and certification laboratory in accordance with specified safety standards.

“As our technology develops, sometimes at a blistering pace, it can make our lives easier and more enjoyable. It can also bring risks we’re not accustomed to, and our first line of defense is awareness,” Hochul said in a press release announcing the initiative. “This campaign effort launched by our best-equipped agencies will help New Yorkers to make educated, safe, smart choices with their purchases on how to best store and use them. I encourage everyone to take just a few minutes to heed these warnings to protect life and property — one life lost is one life too many.”

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