2 More Dead Following Wash Heights Fire Caused By Lithium-Ion Battery

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — All four victims are now confirmed dead following a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery in a residential building in the 500 block of West 190th Street in Washington Heights Sunday afternoon, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said in a statement Thursday.

The first two victims were confirmed dead at a Tuesday news conference before Kavanagh confirmed Thursday that the other two who were pulled from the fire in extremely-critical condition had also died.

"The entire FDNY family is keeping the loved ones of these victims in our thoughts and prayers," Kavanagh wrote in the statement Thursday. "This significant fire should serve as a reminder to New Yorkers about the need to remain vigilant about e-safety—we don't want to see any more lives lost due to lithium-ion battery fires."

During Tuesday's news conference, Kavanagh described Sunday afternoon's fire as "fast-moving and extremely destructive," adding that multiple lithium-ion batteries were found around the apartment.

There have been 76 Lithium-ion battery-related fires this year, causing 60 injuries and now a total of 9 deaths, officials said.

"If you have a micro-mobility device in your home, stop what you're doing and do a quick safety check," Kavanagh wrote in a statement Thursday. "If your battery doesn't have approved safety certifications, is damaged, or was purchased after-market, don't use it. If you're charging your batteries, be present, and never charge them overnight. If your device is blocking exits or windows, move it. Following these simple tips can save lives. Now, for the first time in decades, lithium-ion related fire deaths so far this year have surpassed electrical fires as the leading cause of fire deaths in New York City—something that can be avoided and a trend we must reverse."