FDNY Fire Prevention Inspection Uncovers Hazardous Living Conditions, Illegal Gambling Den
September 17, 2025
An FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) investigation into a complaint about illegal lithium-ion battery charging and swapping uncovered dangerous and unlawful conditions inside 118 and 120 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan, including gambling machines, counterfeit goods, unsafe living conditions, and hazardous battery charging.
Upon gaining access to the buildings while investigating the complaint, FDNY Fire Protection Inspectors discovered the front and rear cellars of both buildings were converted into illegal sleeping areas. The cellar hallways were converted into single room occupancies that were crowded with mattresses, clutter, hot plates, and space heaters. None of "rooms" had secondary exits. Due to the mazelike nature of the cellar, lack of secondary egress, and heavy clutter, all the sleeping areas were considered severe life risks.
"What our Fire Prevention members found on Tuesday was a disaster waiting to happen," said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. "Illegal living conditions and unsafe battery charging can create deadly conditions for residents and for firefighters responding to emergencies. Every complaint we investigate has the potential to save lives, and this inspection was one of them."
Further inspection led to the discovery of a gambling parlor with slot machines and a storage space filled with counterfeit designer bags and accessories. Lithium-ion batteries were found charging throughout the illegally converted cellar space.
Due to the life-threatening conditions uncovered, the FDNY requested the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to respond. The DOB issued a partial vacate order for the cellar spaces of both buildings and NYPD Vice confiscated the gambling equipment and counterfeit items. BFP issued two FDNY summons and two Criminal Summons to 118 and 120 Elizabeth Street.
The FDNY urges all New Yorkers to report unsafe conditions and illegal battery hazards to 311.