The number of New Yorkers killed in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries dropped significantly last year, according to the FDNY. Six people died in 2024, compared to 18 deaths in 2023 — a 67% decrease, officials said on Wednesday.
Lithium-ion batteries are a common power source across the city, used in everything from e-bikes and garbage trucks to vapes and laptops. However, these batteries are also notorious for sparking dangerous and sometimes fatal fires .
City and state officials have responded by implementing new measures to reduce these incidents. Earlier this month, the FDNY praised a soon-to-be nationwide ban on the unregulated sale of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and scooters.
“One death is too many, but this progress is the result of enhanced public education, inspection efforts, and greater community engagement,” Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said in a statement.
Despite the reduction in fatalities, the total number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries increased slightly, with 277 incidents reported in 2024, up from 268 in 2023. Outdoor fires accounted for 133 of last year’s incidents, compared to 90 in 2023.