Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Worldwide, there are increased fire incidents caused by lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery-powered devices. The failure of just one of the many cells inside a battery pack can trigger thermal runaway (rapidly rising temperatures), resulting in a fire or even gas explosions.
Thermal runaway outpaces the speed of a typical fire. Normally, occupants may have three minutes to escape a home fire. With incidents involving Li-ion batteries, that escape time can be reduced to less than one minute.
E-bike, e-scooter, and other e-mobility devices have become common. These devices are often powered by lithium-ion batteries due to their favorable combination of low weight and high energy density. If these batteries fail, they have the potential to catch fire and cause explosions.
FDNY is experiencing a concerning trend in electric mobility (e-bike, e-scooter, etc.) device fires. In 2021 alone, NYC responded to 104 fires that were initiated by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in 79 injuries and 4 deaths.
How to stay safe and prevent thermal runaway
When charging an electric scooter or bike, it should never block a fire escape or exit route.
If a fire occurs, evacuate, and call 911 immediately rather than trying to put it out themselves.
How to safely dispose lithium-ion batteries
Battery collection points at Station 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9, or visit the Household Hazardous Materials facility.
For more information and locations of the fire stations
Lithium-Ion battery references