During Fire Prevention Year, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker Releases New PSA to Remind New Yorkers to Store and Charge Lithium-Ion Batteries Outside

April 2, 2025

New York City has Seen a 53% Increase in Structural Fires Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries in 2025

The 30-Second PSA can be found HERE

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Robert S. Tucker today announced the release of a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) to remind New Yorkers that the safest place to charge and store lithium-ion batteries is outside, where possible. The PSA comes on the heels of a 53 percent increase in structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries through the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

"2025 is Fire Prevention Year in New York City and the FDNY is doubling down on its commitment to empowering communities with the tools to prevent fires and protect the property and lives of New Yorkers," said Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. "While structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were down last year, we have seen a troubling uptick so far this year and we want to make sure residents heed our warning to charge and store these devices outside where possible to avoid the destruction these intense fires can cause. A malfunctioning or uncertified lithium-ion battery can explode at any moment, charging or not, and residents need to take the necessary precautions to stay safe."

In 2025 there have been 40 structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in New York City compared to 26 at this time last year - a 53 percent increase. Additionally, in 2025 there have been 19 non-structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries compared to 25 last year - a 24 percent decrease. While these numbers indicate an increase in batteries being charged and stored inside of buildings and homes, there are zero fatalities caused by lithium-ion battery fires in 2025 compared to one at this time last year.

Since 2021, the FDNY has been sounding the alarm about the threat of lithium-ion batteries. Through consistent safety messaging, inspections, community outreach, and a targeted $1 million ad campaign, the number of deaths caused by these devices in 2024 fell to six. The new PSA builds off the Department's most recent outreach campaign following a large fire in a Queens e-bike store that reminded New Yorkers that malfunctioning or illegal lithium-ion batteries do not need to be charging to explode.

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