Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and FDNY to Host Federal and National Partners to Study Lithium-Ion Batteries

October 28, 2024

Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, FDNY officials, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Urban Security and Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), as well as representatives from fire service across the nation will participate in a two-day symposium centered on lithium-ion batteries. Media are invited to attend the opening ceremony on Tuesday, October 29, at 8:00 a.m. at the FDNY's Training Academy at Randall’s Island. Breakout sessions are closed press.

The FDNY is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security's research and development arm, NUSTL, to study the public safety concerns that come with community electrification. Fire service experts from Seattle, Denver, Chicago and Atlanta will discuss the public safety risks of lithium-ion batteries and other innovations to help shape a research and development agenda. The increasing number of fatalities and injuries due to lithium-ion battery fires underscore the need for enhanced understanding and the tools to protect emergency responders and communities from these dangers.

This year, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have killed five New Yorkers. Additionally, there have been 227 fires, and 91 injuries to date caused by these batteries.

WHO: Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, Julie Brewer, Deputy Under Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology, and other FDNY officials

WHERE: FDNY Training Academy at Randall's Island – Auditorium

WHEN: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – 8:00 a.m.

***PHOTO OP AND MEDIA AVAILABILITY***