Firefighters subdued an early morning fire that appeared to have been caused by lithium-ion batteries at a Starrett City apartment complex early on Monday morning.
The blaze broke out at 50 Vandalia Ave. just after 2 a.m. on July 3, according to an FDNY spox.
Upon their arrival, FDNY personnel were met with heavy smoke coming pouring out of an apartment at the 20-story complex. Firefighters searched the building for trapped or injured civilians, but found that all residents had safely evacuated. One person was treated for smoke inhalation on the scene.
![firefighter in window of starrett city fire](https://www.brooklynpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC_8649-700x467.jpg)
The fire was brought under control at 2:35 a.m.
Hazmat Company 1 was requested to package and remove several lithium-ion batteries, commonly used to power e-bikes, from the residence. Fire marshals are investigating whether lithium-ion batteries sparked the blaze but no official cause has been determined at this time, an FDNY spokesperson said.
Monday’s blaze came as the FDNY continued its crackdown on lithium-ion batteries across the city following the tragic deaths of four residents in Chinatown during a three alarm fire on June 20. The batteries are known to combust and cause dangerous, damaging fires, especially when stored indoors.
![Firefighters were called to a fire at 50 Vandalia Avenue just after 2 a.m. Monday morning](https://www.brooklynpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC_8706-700x467.jpg)
This year, lithium-ion batteries have caused 113 fires, injured 71 New Yorkers, and killed 13 more, according to FDNY data. In April, two e-bikes caught fire in the lobby of a Cypress Hills apartment building. Just weeks later, a blaze at an e-bike store in Sunset Park displaced two families who lived above the shop.
The FDNY’s fire prevention teams have carried out 259 inspections related to lithium-ion battery concerns at residential and commercial locations across the city so far this year, FDNY commissioner Laura Kavanagh said Thursday.
As a result of the inspections, the FDNY has issued 523 oath summonses, 150 violations, 44 criminal summonses and 17 vacate orders.
“This is a matter of safety for the public and a matter of safety for our firefighters. These fires are credibly dangerous, they involve a huge amount of fire,” Kavanagh said at Thursday’s press conference, asking the public to follow FDNY’s safety advice.“Please don’t leave these charging overnight. Please make sure you have a certified battery. Please make sure that this is not between you and the only exit to your apartment. And if you are a shop owner or a small business owner, please make sure you are operating safely.”