The FDNY and city officials are spreading the message of the dangers and risks of lithium-ion batteries as they have increasingly been linked to fires across the city.

This comes after FDNY officials believe that a battery was responsible for a five-alarm fire that took place this past weekend.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh was at the scene of that fire on Sunday, delivering a strong message about how threatening these batteries can be. 

“It literally explodes,” said Kavanaugh. “It’s a tremendous volume of fire as soon as it happens. It’s very hard to extinguish, it’s particularly dangerous for first responders and dangers for the amount of damage it can cause.” 

Fire officials say these types of fires continue to spike in New York City, saying last year the agency responded to 216 e-bike battery-related fires, resulting in six deaths.  

Three months into 2023,the FDNY says its crews have already battled approximately 24 fires that were linked to lithium-ion batteries, resulting in two deaths.  

“We are going to continue to amplify the message that a simple device, like this charred scooter, is only a symbol of what is happening behind me, and what is continuing to take place,” said Mayor Eric Adams.  

New York City recently passed several new laws to help reduce misuse of the batteries and requires them to be certified.  

City officials are urging New Yorkers to not have e-bikes or other lithium-ion-powered devices in their homes, and to place them away from entrances and exits.