FDNY: Lithium-ion batteries cause 5-alarm fire Sunday in Kingsbridge Heights
The massive fire started around 7:30 p.m. on Devoe Terrace near West 190th Street.
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City leaders said lithium-ion batteries caused a five-alarm fire Sunday in Kingsbridge Heights.
“This is a stark reminder of the issues around lithium-ion batteries,” said Mayor Eric Adams, who assessed the damage on Monday.
The massive fire started around 7:30 p.m. on Devoe Terrace near West 190th Street.
City leaders said the flames broke out on the porch of one single-family home, engulfed that wood structure, then spread to two neighboring wood homes.
According to the mayor’s office, officials found four motorized wheelchair scooters, one e-bike, and one go-kart-type vehicle at the home - and there were two lithium-ion batteries charging when the fire started.
“You should not have them in your household, you should not be charging them in your home, you should not have them at your exit or entrance way because it can impede your ability to leave if a fire or explosion starts,” said Adams.
The FDNY said 15 people were hurt, including one firefighter who was critical but is now stable.
“That is, in my recollection, the first time a firefighter has been injured in a lithium-ion battery fire,” said Robert Tucker, FDNY commissioner.
Officials said there was a 67% decrease in lithium-ion battery fire deaths between 2023 and 2024.
There have been no deaths so far in 2025, but officials are raising awareness about deadly toxins.
“In a few breaths, you can go unconscious, and you can die in a few minutes,” said Kevin Woods, FDNY chief of fire operations
The city is making efforts to get illegal e-bikes off the streets, and neighbors agreed.
“I totally agree with them,” said Daren Ramswamy, of Kingsbridge Heights. “With the temperature, the battery just explodes.”
The Red Cross said it is helping 15 displaced residents with temporary emergency housing and financial assistance.
