Sunset Park, Brooklyn – A fast‑moving fire on Thursday morning that claimed multiple lives has reignited concerns over the safety of lithium‑ion batteries in the city. City officials say the tragedy underscores the need for stricter enforcement of existing rules and new federal standards to keep neighborhoods safe.
Council leaders call for tougher action
Councilwoman Joann Ariola, chair of the Fire and Emergency Management Committee, warned that “bad actors” continue to sell or use batteries that are not certified, homemade, or refurbished, putting residents at risk. “Despite our best efforts, we still have some bad actors out there who are using batteries that are not certified or are homemade or are refurbished. And we’re seeing these types of tragic fires like we had in Brooklyn,” she said.
Council Speaker Julie Menin echoed the urgency, noting that the presence of lithium‑ion batteries at the fire scene is “a serious concern” and demanding more action to promote safe storage practices. “Enough is enough,” Menin said.
City programs aim to reduce danger
The FDNY has launched a public‑safety campaign highlighting the hazards of lithium‑ion batteries. New York City has already banned the sale or rental of e‑bikes and scooters unless their batteries are certified by a recognized testing laboratory such as UL. In addition, the City Council created a battery trade‑in program, and fire‑proof storage and charging containers have been installed at numerous locations.
Enforcement efforts have stepped up, with authorities issuing multiple violations to illegal e‑bike sellers. Former Council member Robert Holden, who previously tried to pass legislation on e‑bikes and other electric‑mobility vehicles, criticized what he sees as a misplaced focus on immigration concerns over public safety. “They think about the, the ‘poor immigrants’ who might, you know, be investigated because of a criminal offense by ICE. But they really weren’t thinking of the public,” Holden said.
Calls for federal involvement
Former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh argued that city‑level actions alone cannot stop unsafe batteries from entering the market. “These bad devices are effectively banned in the City of New York, but it’s like a game of whack‑a‑mole. Once a million of these comes through a port, we’re sending fire marshals to collect them one by one. And that’s impossible,” she said, urging federal regulators to step in.
Seven lithium‑ion battery fires have already claimed lives in New York City this year, not counting the Sunset Park incident. As investigators continue to determine the exact cause of the latest blaze, city officials and fire‑safety advocates stress that the incident highlights ongoing safety challenges and the need for coordinated local and federal action.
What residents can do
Officials advise residents to verify that any e‑bike or scooter they own uses a certified battery, store devices in fire‑proof containers, and avoid charging unattended. The city’s trade‑in program offers discounts for swapping uncertified batteries for approved models.
Community groups are also being encouraged to spread awareness about safe battery practices, reinforcing the city’s broader effort to protect families and preserve the safety of neighborhoods across Brooklyn and the five boroughs.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
