FDNY hosts U.S. Fire Administrator and others for public safety campaign launch and live burn of an e-bike

November 15, 2023

On November 15, 2023, the FDNY hosted a live burn and demonstration to illustrate the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. During the event, the batteries exploded and released toxic gases, quickly burning out of control. The FDNY triggered the e-bike battery to fail to demonstrate the immediate danger and volume of fire when these batteries aren't handled properly.

"This is absolutely a crisis facing New York City. But, this is a problem that every major city is facing and I really want to emphasize this," explained Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. "These devices are dangerous in any place that they are at. And, moreover, we know that the future is one of electrification. We know that it's not just bikes, but many, many other devices that are going to end up being electic in the future."

The Commissioner was joined by the U.S. Fire Administrator and other federal and national partners, to kick off a public safety campaign.

To date, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have killed 17 New Yorkers in 2023.

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh was joined by U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fire Service Research Institute, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Underwriters Laboratories and members of the FDNY at the Department’s Fire Academy.