FDNY warns of fatal e-bike battery risk following Queens fire
Iain Hoey
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FDNY renews e-bike safety warning after Queens death
The FDNY has reported that a fire caused by an e-bike battery explosion in Queens has led to the first lithium-ion battery-related fatality in New York City in 2025.
According to the Department, the incident occurred on 4 July inside a pizza restaurant in Queens.
A 76-year-old woman was using the restroom at the time of the explosion.
The battery, located outside the restroom, caught fire, preventing her escape.
She was taken to hospital but later died.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said: “These e-mobility devices that the FDNY has been talking about for years can be extremely dangerous, and we had someone die in this fire.”
Commissioner highlights danger of indoor storage and charging
The FDNY confirmed this was the first lithium-ion battery fatality in the city this year.
Commissioner Tucker said: “It’s the first death this year that we can attribute to a lithium-ion battery fire, and we are working so hard every day in the FDNY to message that e-mobility devices do not belong inside.”
He explained that the device was stored directly outside the restroom door, obstructing the victim’s egress.
Tucker added: “She was trapped. She could not get out of the bathroom because the device was stored directly outside the bathroom.”
He continued: “It’s a tremendous tragedy and the problem persists here.”
The Commissioner called on the public to take action to reduce the risk of these incidents.
Fire department urges use of certified batteries
Commissioner Tucker said: “You cannot charge them inside, and you must buy certified UL batteries.”
He added: “These fires are treacherous. They move very quickly. They are very hot.”
The FDNY advised the public to avoid charging or storing e-bikes and other micromobility devices indoors.
Instead, the Department recommends storing such devices outdoors whenever possible.
Tucker said: “Do not store these things between you and your primary means of egress in your apartment or in your home or in your business.”
He stated that the Department would continue to issue safety reminders.
PSA campaign supported by FDNY Foundation
The latest Public Service Announcement forms part of the FDNY’s ongoing campaign to reduce battery-related incidents.
According to the Department, the PSA programme receives partial funding support from the FDNY Foundation.
The Foundation is the official nonprofit organisation affiliated with the Department.
Commissioner Tucker said: “We want people to keep these things outside. We want them to charge outside.”
He added: “Make sure that they are UL listed.”
The PSA has been published through the FDNYSmart.org platform.
Department reflects on 2024 fatalities
FDNY confirmed that six people died due to lithium-ion battery fires in New York in 2024.
Commissioner Tucker said: “We had six deaths last year and we now have our first this year.”
He added: “One is too many. And I will not stop talking about safety around lithium-ion batteries and e-mobility devices until the number is zero.”
The Department continues to stress the dangers posed by uncertified and improperly stored batteries.
Further safety information is available via the FDNY’s official safety site.
FDNY warns of fatal e-bike battery risk following Queens fire: Summary
FDNY has confirmed that a fatal fire occurred in Queens on 4 July 2025.
A 76-year-old woman died after an e-bike battery exploded outside a restroom in a pizza restaurant.
She was unable to escape and died later in hospital.
The FDNY identified the battery as the fire’s cause.
This is the first lithium-ion battery-related fatality in New York City in 2025.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker made a public statement on 8 July 2025.
Tucker warned against charging or storing e-bikes indoors.
He urged residents to buy only UL-certified devices.
He also said the FDNY would continue to promote safety messages.
The Department’s PSA campaign is supported by the FDNY Foundation.
Six people died from lithium-ion battery fires in 2024.
Tucker said one death is too many.
He said he will continue to push safety information until there are no fatalities.
Further safety guidance is available at FDNYSmart.org.