Brooklyn Apartment Fire: One Dead, Multiple Injured in Lithium-Ion Battery Blaze
October 17, 2024A tragic fire in a Brooklyn apartment building early Wednesday resulted in one death and multiple injuries, highlighting ongoing safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries.
The blaze erupted just before 4 a.m. on the second floor of the building, where two children managed to escape, but an elderly man was trapped inside.
Intense flames blocked the exit, complicating rescue efforts for firefighters who faced heavy smoke upon arrival.
Firefighters attempted to rescue the trapped resident but were forced back by the overwhelming smoke and flames.
In total, three individuals, including two civilians and one firefighter, were hospitalized with injuries, although none were life-threatening.
One victim was safely assisted out of the apartment and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Dan Flynn reported that the fire was ignited by a micromobility device, which blocked an exit and contributed to the fatal outcome.
Fire officials recommend keeping micromobility devices outside and ensuring they do not obstruct exits to prevent similar tragedies.
This incident is part of a troubling trend, as there have been hundreds of lithium-ion battery fires in New York City this year, resulting in four fatalities.
While the number of deaths from such fires has decreased compared to last year, the public remains urged to heed safety warnings.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Charlotte Fire Department, with initial findings suggesting that flames may have originated in the HVAC system.
Fire officials continue to emphasize the dangers of unregulated lithium-ion batteries and urge the public to call 911 immediately rather than attempting to extinguish such fires themselves.
Summary based on 30 sources
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Sources
CBS New York • Oct 16, 2024
Lithium-ion battery sparks deadly fire in Brooklyn. FDNY pleads with public to heed these warnings.New York Daily News • Oct 16, 2024
Brooklyn apartment fire kills one, e-bike suspected as causeThe official website of the City of New York • Oct 16, 2024
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker provides an update on deadly lithium-ion battery fire in Brooklyn