A two-alarm fire that broke out in a commercial building in South Richmond Hill on Saturday night was caused by an exploding lithium-ion battery that saw nearly two dozen e-bikes erupt in flames, according to the FDNY. Fire marshals based their determination on a digital video recording that showed smoke coming from a battery and within 20 seconds it exploded sending a wall of flame that consumed the shop.
The blaze took place inside King Electronic Hub at 119-07 Liberty Ave. just after 9:45 p.m. and firefighters were met by heavy smoke spewing from behind roll-down security gates. The two-story building included apartments above.
Once firefighters gained access to the storefront, they discovered around two dozen lithium-ion battery and gas-powered bikes and began removing them to the sidewalk in front. FDNY Hazmat teams responded to fire.
The FDNY transmitted a second alarm at 9:54 p.m. bringing a total of 106 firefighters and EMS personnel to Liberty Avenue. Hazmat Battalion, Hazmat Company 1 and Engine 274 removed the two-dozen charred electric and gas-powered bikes while three hose lines were used to knock down the fire which was brought under control at 11:05 p.m.
Per FDNY Fire Marshals, cause of Saturday’s 2-alarm fire at an e-bike shop located at 119-07 Liberty Ave. in QNS was a lithium-ion battery. A DVR shows smoke coming from the battery – and within 20 seconds – you see a shower of sparks, flames, & explosions. We sped up the video. pic.twitter.com/aqouXmd2FV
— FDNY (@FDNY) January 8, 2024
One firefighter suffered minor injuries, but no civilians were reported injured after searches of the premises proved negative for trapped residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the FDNY.
