Fire Commissioner Kavanagh to Announce the Results of Recent Inspection That Uncovered Illegal Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Operation in Queens

February 7, 2024

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh will announce the results of an inspection that took place in Queens Tuesday, uncovering an illegal lithium-ion battery manufacturing operation.

Uncertified and tampered lithium-ion batteries are dangerous. During the inspection, a task force of FDNY Fire Marshals, FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention Inspectors, and inspectors from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) recovered dozens of battery packs and hundreds of individual lithium-ion cells used to alter, create, and repair batteries. The business was issued violations by the FDNY, DCWP, as well as the by the Department of Buildings and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Last year, lithium-ion batteries caused 268 fires, injured 150 New Yorkers, and killed 18 more.

WHO: Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Mayuga, Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn, FDNY Officials

WHERE: 101-19 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11375

WHEN: Thursday, February 8 – 9:00 a.m.

***PHOTOS OF THE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY OPERATION WILL BE PROVIDED***