Lithium-ion battery fires continue to claim lives across NYC: Protect your home with one simple step

Deaths from lithium-ion battery fires in have spiked in NYC this year — could you be in danger?

On Oct. 28, four people died, three of whom were under the age of 18, following an e-bike battery fire in the Bronx. In a separate incident in Brooklyn on Nov. 5, six people were killed, and nine others were injured after a fire broke out. A lithium-ion battery was found at the scene.

As the death toll continues to rise, the City Council is calling an emergency hearing later this month to discuss the 68% increase in lithium battery-related fires this year.

“The recent building fires in Sunset Park and in the South Bronx, which collectively claimed the lives of 10 New Yorkers, are heartbreaking tragedies that underscore the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life,” Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a statement. “As e-bikes and e-scooters continue to become a more common mode of transportation by commuters and delivery workers throughout our city, we must confront the serious fire safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.”

So, what exactly are lithium-ion battery fires, and why should you be concerned? Lithium-ion batteries are a popular power source across everyday tech, vehicles and electric vehicles. They’re found in smartphones, laptops, fitness trackers, e-bicycles, hoverboards and more.

When those batteries experience thermal runaway, they begin to generate heat quickly and can’t cool down. This, in turn, causes chemical breakdowns that generate even more heat, which continues to build and is difficult to contain.

Most batteries function safely but can quickly become a danger if dropped or damaged, made cheaply, charged with the wrong charger, overcharged or thrown in the garbage.

Lithium-ion battery fires are a growing threat, but you can get ahead of the curve. We suggest keeping your home safe with a Mart Cobra Emergency Fire Blanket. It comes in a pack of two, now 10% off at Amazon.

Mart Cobra Emergency Fire Blanket

The product swiftly suppresses flames with its durable, fireproof fiberglass fabric. It’s lightweight (just over one pound), tear-resistant and even safe to use on children and pets.

Use it on kitchen grease fires, BBQ flames and fireplaces. It’s mess-free, leaving no residue or cleanup after use.

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The safety blankets come in protective pouches that are compact and easy to store in a kitchen cabinet or living room drawer. When I moved into my NYC apartment two years ago, I immediately purchased a set to stash in a closet in the foyer for easy access in case of an emergency.

Don’t wait for the next lithium-ion battery fire to prepare your home. These incidents are sudden, unexpected and scary, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. The Mart Cobra Emergency Fire Blanket is 10% off as deaths increase, and we suggest adding the set to your home sooner rather than later.

Shop more fire safety products

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Carrie Berk, Commerce Reporter for the New York Post. Carrie specializes in New York City-ready fashion finds for every style, age and budget. Combing the internet’s sale sections, brand collaborations, seasonal trends, timeless staples and lookalike styles, she makes recommendations that stand the test of time in your wardrobe – without breaking the bank. Before joining The Post full time in 2026, her work appeared in HuffPost, Women’s Health, Newsweek and more.

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