FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker says the FDNY 'has always been the leader on problem-solving' as federal lithium-ion battery legislation moves forward

December 18, 2024

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and Department officials celebrated a significant victory in the fight against lithium-ion battery fires on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.

Congress has moved one step closer to passing federal legislation that would enable the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to enact a national safety standard for lithium-ion batteries.

"It's been the consistent beating of the drum by the FDNY that has resulted in critical legislation on the city, state and—now—the federal level," Fire Commissioner Tucker said. "We think this is a huge deal."

In 2024, there have been five deaths related to lithium-ion battery fires, down from 18 in 2023—a 72% decrease. Since 2019, lithium-ion batteries have caused 929 fires in New York City, injuring more than 500 people and killing 33.