A residential fire requiring “all hands” which broke out in the Allerton section of The Bronx on Saturday has resulted in the death of one civilian, FDNY officials said.

 

The FDNY said the alarm was raised on Saturday, March 18, at around 4.06 p.m. in response to a fire in apartment 6B on the 6th (top) floor of a multiple dwelling at 2265 Olinville Avenue. FDNY officials said one patient was treated and transported to Jacobi Hospital.

The FDNY urges New Yorkers to follow these lithium-ion safety tips to ensure the safety of you, your family, and our first responders. Make sure these devices do not block exits, do not leave devices unattended while charging, and do not tamper with these batteries. pic.twitter.com/qilKwDZFUp

— FDNY (@FDNY) March 15, 2023

Twelve fire units, comprising 60 firefighters were dispatched to the fire location according to the FDNY, and were seen responding to the blaze in videos posted by users of the Citizens’ App. The fire was brought under control at 4.45 p.m., according to the FDNY.

 

Fire department officials later wrote, “Per #FDNY Fire Marshals, today’s fatal ‘all hands’ fire which killed one person at 2265 Olinville Avenue in The Bronx was accidental.” They added that the blaze had been caused by a lithium-ion battery.

Norwood News asked the FDNY for further details regarding both the incident and the victim. A spokesperson said the department had nothing further to add. One Citizen user reported hearing from residents of the area that a man had fallen asleep inside his apartment in the building where the fire started. Norwood News has been unable to corroborate this information, however.

 

As reported, a 5-alarm fire in the Fordham Heights section of The Bronx on Sunday, March 5, was also the result of an explosion caused by a lithium-ion battery which was being used to charge an e-bike, causing elected officials to rush through new legislation at all levels of government to regulate the use of such batteries, and in the hope of preventing similar fires.

Be #FDNYSmart – NEVER park in front of a fire hydrant. FDNY urges New Yorkers to NEVER park on a fire hydrant. Blocking or obstructing a hydrant results in a delay in providing water to extinguish a fire. It is illegal to park within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant. pic.twitter.com/uVyd9XiNRg

— FDNY (@FDNY) March 18, 2023

 

Mayor Eric Adams said of the earlier March incident on March 7, “Fires from faulty e-bike batteries are particularly dangerous, and we need stronger regulation to ensure these products are safe. I visited Rescue 1 with @FDNY Commissioner Kavanagh to learn about them and how New Yorkers can take steps to protect themselves.”

If using a lithium-ion battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device. If a battery overheats, discontinue use immediately. See more at https://t.co/NpwdRdlElY pic.twitter.com/mGymGUncXw

— FDNY (@FDNY) March 19, 2023

Norwood News readers recently weighed in with their thoughts on fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes.

 

New federal, City, and State laws have been introduced to address fire safety prevention around e-bike use.