Five Towns Fire May Be Tied To Lithium-Ion Batteries: Fire Marshal

CEDARHURST, NY — A fire at a Five Towns home on Monday may have been caused by lithium-ion batteries, the county fire marshal's office said.

More than 50 firefighters from five departments battled the afternoon blaze at the Arbuckle Avenue residence in Cedarhurst.

The fire started in the detached garage, Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said.

No one was injured by the fire.

While the cause is still under investigation. Uttaro said they "can't rule out [a] damaged lithium-ion battery from an electric bike."

The Fire Marshal Hazardous Materials Response Team was requested to the scene "to contain, overpack and remove lithium-ion batteries."

Additionally, smoke detectors were not observed or operational at the home, the fire marshal said.

The Village of Lawrence Building Department will determine if and when the house can be re-occupied.