The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has recently issued a statement warning residents not to set up lithium battery production/repair workshops at home, emphasizing that such behavior is not only illegal but also may lead to deadly fires.
According to the FDNY, in just August alone, they have already extinguished two fires caused by home lithium battery workshops. On August 17th, a residential fire broke out at 164-18 Pidgeon Meadow Road in Queens, where firefighters discovered about 100 burning lithium-ion batteries in the basement, along with multiple disassembled small personal mobility devices and batteries. Just a week later, on August 26th, another fire occurred at 685 East 233rd Street in the Bronx, where responders found multiple lithium batteries and equipment being repaired on the scene.
“If batteries are modified, stored improperly, or uncertified, they can become time bombs, endangering not only family members and neighbors but also threatening emergency responders rushing to the rescue. Worse still, this is illegal,” warned FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. He emphasized that the FDNY will hold those responsible accountable and prevent such dangerous behaviors from continuing.
The FDNY reminds the public that manufacturing, modifying, or attempting to repair lithium-ion batteries is extremely hazardous, as it can lead to rapidly spreading, destructive, and deadly fires, posing a serious threat to residents and firefighters. If residents observe any related situations, they should immediately call 311 or 212-639-9675 to report to the fire department.
New York City’s Chief Fire Investigator, Daniel Flynn, urged, “We need every New Yorker to do their part—only purchase certified batteries, avoid attempting makeshift repairs, and report unsafe conditions before tragedies occur. By working together, we can prevent these dangerous fires and ensure community safety.”