FDNY reports 67% drop in lithium-ion battery deaths in 2024

The number of New Yorkers killed in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries dropped significantly last year, according to the FDNY. Six people died in 2024, compared to 18 deaths in 2023 — a 67% decrease, officials said on Wednesday.

Lithium-ion batteries are a common power source across the city, used in everything from e-bikes and garbage trucks to vapes and laptops. However, these batteries are also notorious for sparking dangerous and sometimes fatal fires.

City and state officials have responded by implementing new measures to reduce these incidents. Earlier this month, the FDNY praised a soon-to-be nationwide ban on the unregulated sale of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and scooters.

“One death is too many, but this progress is the result of enhanced public education, inspection efforts, and greater community engagement,” Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said in a statement.

Despite the reduction in fatalities, the total number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries increased slightly, with 277 incidents reported in 2024, up from 268 in 2023. Outdoor fires accounted for 133 of last year’s incidents, compared to 90 in 2023.

"This decrease indicates that the public is hearing the department’s message about storing and charging these devices outside where possible," the department said in a statement.

Electrical fires remained the leading cause of fire-related deaths, though overall fire fatalities in the city dropped 25% last year. The FDNY reported 78 fire deaths in 2024, down from 104 the previous year.

The department also noted a rise in emergency calls. FDNY and EMS operators responded to 2.3 million calls in 2024, including more than 1.6 million medical emergencies — the highest ever recorded for FDNY EMS.

Meanwhile, the city’s Department of Transportation introduced new rules on Wednesday aimed at improving safety for e-bike battery charging. The rules allow New Yorkers to install battery-swapping and charging cabinets outdoors near buildings with ground-floor commercial or community facilities, as well as residential buildings with five or more units.

“Safer charging practices are integral to a cleaner and more sustainable future and installing charging infrastructure throughout the five boroughs will support the growth in e-bikes while also protecting all New Yorkers from deadly fires,” Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement.