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    Burning Urgency: Calls for National Safety Standards as Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Escalate in New York City

    JimBy Updated: Whatfinger News 6 Mins Read

    Lithium-ion battery fires could pose a significant safety risk to first responders. Hear what today’s witness had to say about the research being conducted to determine the potential health risks associated with these hazardous fires  Fast clip below

    New York City’s Chief Fire Marshal, Daniel Flynn, recently testified before the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, urging House lawmakers to pass legislation mandating safety standards for lithium-ion batteries. Flynn emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting that fires caused by these batteries are not only more intense but also more dangerous than traditional fires.

    Challenge: The Jaguar’s battery remained smoldering after the fire was brought under control. The risk of fire from lithium-ion batteries is challenging, as they can spontaneously combust and produce oxygen. – Zack Klingman

    According to Flynn, lithium-ion battery fires create instantly hazardous conditions, making it challenging for people to escape to safety. These fires undergo a series of explosions, releasing highly toxic gases and projecting flaming cells that can travel significant distances, increasing the risk of fire spread. The chief fire marshal stressed that escape becomes particularly difficult during nighttime incidents when occupants are sleeping.

    In 2023, New York City witnessed 268 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in 18 fatalities and 150 injuries. Flynn pointed out that these fires demand large volumes of water to suppress and can reignite spontaneously, posing significant challenges for firefighters.

    To address this growing concern, the New York Fire Department is advocating for the passage of H.R. 1797, titled the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries Act.” Sponsored by Congressman Ritchie Torres, the bill aims to establish a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in eBikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices.

    Congressman Torres highlighted that injuries from lithium-ion battery fires often involve eBikes or scooters, with incidents surging by 900 percent over a four-year period in New York City alone. His legislation, co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, focuses on consumer safety and product standards.

    Despite efforts by the city to regulate lithium-ion batteries through legislation signed by Mayor Eric Adams in March, the number of fires has continued to rise. Flynn expressed concern about the inability to regulate devices entering the city from surrounding areas, indicating the need for a broader, nationwide approach to the issue.

    U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell informed the subcommittee that lithium-ion batteries pose a national safety issue. She highlighted that these batteries, commonly used in everyday items, become a fire risk when damaged, used, stored, or charged incorrectly. The changing fire risk environment is characterized by rapid dynamics, shorter escape times, and increased hazards for both consumers and firefighters.

    Congressman Torres raised questions about battery quality, with Moore-Merrell noting that the U.S. imports the majority of its lithium-ion batteries from South Korea, Japan, and China. She emphasized the challenge posed by the huge unregulated market, drawing a parallel to the fentanyl crisis.

    Drawing further attention to the safety regulation challenges, Torres stressed the need for swift Congressional action to lower the de minimis threshold for imports, preventing poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries, particularly from China, from saturating the American market.

    Congressman D’Esposito expressed optimism that passing the legislation could save lives, emphasizing the significant impact it could have on public safety. Torres echoed this sentiment, describing it as a homeland security matter and emphasizing that the United States is importing potential fire hazards into homes and businesses. He expressed hope that his bill, having already advanced out of a different House committee, will reach the floor for consideration this year.

    Major Points Discussed:

    • Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn urges House lawmakers to pass legislation mandating safety standards for lithium-ion batteries due to their intensified and dangerous fires compared to traditional ones.
    • In 2023, New York City experienced 268 lithium-ion battery fires, resulting in 18 deaths and 150 injuries, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory measures.
    • Congressman Ritchie Torres sponsors H.R. 1797, the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries Act,” aiming to establish safety standards for rechargeable batteries used in micromobility devices.
    • Despite local efforts to regulate lithium-ion batteries in New York City, the inability to control devices entering from surrounding areas highlights the necessity for a nationwide approach to address the issue.
    • U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell emphasizes that lithium-ion batteries pose a national safety issue, with the changing fire risk environment leading to rapid dynamics, shorter escape times, and increased hazards for consumers and firefighters.

    Comments – Threads – Links

    • Bmw are going to only be manufacturing hydro cars. So those silly green electric cars are a waste of time … – Badsheep152
    • Treat them like the energetic materials that they behave as during failure and add to TSA’ s screening and detection mandate. – pete schecter 
    • Great job on the discussion and the work that went into helping educate policy makers on the risks. – Fire Chief Chad Michael
    • The flow of poorly manufactured and fire-prone lithium-ion batteries from China presents a clear and present danger to America. Congress must act swiftly to ensure that these batteries from China stop saturating the American market and risking lives- Rep. Ritchie Torres
    • Great to have @FDNY on Capitol Hill to hear first hand what Congress is doing to keep Americans safe. I’m proud to co-sponsor@RepRitchie’s Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act which will rein in these all too frequent fires- Rep. Anthony D’Esposito

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