A recent fire in a Bronx building that resulted in injuries and displaced residents was caused by a lithium-ion battery-powered e-bike, according to officials from the FDNY. The fire broke out in a four-story building on Marble Hill Ave, near 225th St. As the battery burned, the stairs were engulfed in flames, forcing residents to escape down the fire escape.
Firefighters arrived at the scene around 2:15 p.m. and discovered heavy fire on all floors of the building. The wooden staircases in these older-style buildings can quickly become fuel for a fire, escalating the danger. However, the FDNY chief assured that all residents and firefighters injured in the blaze are expected to recover.
Amid the chaos, witnesses saw residents desperately climbing down the fire escape. One witness recalls catching a lady who slipped off the rungs and assisting a man who was coming down with his baby. Another resident, Emily Lemp, expressed concern for her guinea pig, which was left home alone during the fire. Luckily, firefighters were able to rescue the furry pet from the smoke-filled apartment.
While the residents and firefighters escaped safely, one cat, named Walter, remained missing. Abigail Grubb, who was on a Zoom call when the fire started, attempted to get her cat into a carrier but was unsuccessful. She had to evacuate through the fire escape, hoping that Walter was in a safe place. Coworkers on the Zoom call witnessed the firefighters searching for the cat, providing vital information to assist in locating him.
Over 130 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze, which took approximately 90 minutes to control. The FDNY reported finding remnants of the e-bike frame and battery under the stairwell on the first floor. Unfortunately, this incident follows a similar Lithium-ion battery-related fire in Harlem last month, where one person lost their life and 17 others were injured. In the past year alone, these types of batteries have been linked to 268 fires in New York City, resulting in 18 deaths and 150 injuries.
It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries and ensure proper storage and usage to prevent such incidents.
FAQ Section:
1. What caused the recent fire in a Bronx building?
– The fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery-powered e-bike.
2. Where did the fire break out?
– The fire broke out in a four-story building on Marble Hill Ave, near 225th St.
3. How did the fire escalate the danger in the building?
– The wooden staircases in the building quickly became fuel for the fire, increasing the danger.
4. Were there any injuries or displaced residents?
– Yes, there were injuries and residents were displaced due to the fire.
5. Did all residents and firefighters injured in the blaze recover?
– Yes, according to the FDNY chief, all injured residents and firefighters are expected to recover.
6. Were all residents and firefighters able to escape safely?
– Yes, residents and firefighters were able to escape safely, although one cat remained missing.
7. How many firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze?
– Over 130 firefighters were deployed to control the fire.
8. How long did it take to control the blaze?
– It took approximately 90 minutes to control the fire.
9. How many fires in New York City have been linked to lithium-ion batteries in the past year?
– In the past year alone, 268 fires have been linked to lithium-ion batteries in New York City.
Key Terms/Jargon Definitions:
– Lithium-ion battery: A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electronic devices and electric vehicles.
– E-bike: Short for electric bike, it is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor to assist with propulsion.
Suggested Related Links:
– NYFD Official Website
– Official Website of the City of New York