© ERIC HASERT/TCPALM / USA TODAY NETWORK, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Photo courtesy of FDNY
Laura Kavanagh and E Bikes e-bikes
(New York, NY) – After Tuesday’s deadly fire on the Lower East Side was blamed on e-bike batteries, FDNY officials are speaking out. Department Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh joined “Cats and Cosby” to discuss why these lithium ion batteries can be such a fire risk.
The most recent fire broke out inside an e-bike shop on Madison Street and quickly spread to the apartments up above. Experts say some of these e-bike batteries are extremely dangerous, but not all of them – if they’re UL certified, that means they’re safe. Knockoff or illegal batteries tend to overheat, causing the fire risk.
Kavanaugh warns people should never leave e-bike batteries plugged in overnight, adding the use of extension cords really increases the risk. Also, never charge them in a spot that would cut off your access to the exit – if a fire were to break out. Finally, concerned residents are encouraged to call 311 if they see unsafe charging conditions.
