Eighteen kids were hurt after a home in the Queens borough of New York City burned Wednesday. The building is a two-story, single-family home where two businesses are operating - a daycare and dental lab in the cellar, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) stated. The daycare center was located in the two-story home's basement.
The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) stated that the "heavy fire" might have been caused by a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike.
According to FDNY Chief of Operations John Esposito, firefighters saved 18 pediatric patients from the building, while one child was reported to have been removed by the firefighters from the fire area itself in the basement.
One was brought to the hospital due to critical condition, while the rest got minor injuries and were declared stable. The rest opted not to have any medical attention at the scene, FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Stacy Scanlon stated.
Parents immediately arrived and brought their kids home.
High risk of lithium-ion batteries in your homes
Esposito said they received a call for a fire around 2 P.M. in a basement at 72nd Drive near 147th Street Kew Gardens Hills. When firefighters arrived, they found a "heavy fire." They were able to extinguish it in about 40 minutes and confined it in the basement.
He further stated that the cause is still being investigated, but definitely, a lithium-ion battery was involved with the fire, which is "a fairly common occurrence" in the city this year and for the last couple of years, Today reported.
The chief warned the public about the hazard of charging lithium-ion batteries in homes.
"The lithium ion batteries, we've been having problems with them the last few years in scooters and bikes and charging them, the mismatch of the batteries and the charging cords and lower quality batteries. They should not be charged in the entrance way or pathway to leave your house or apartment, you should not charge them overnight ... charge them in a room with a closed door while you're awake and alert and at home," Esposito explained.
Operating without work permits
It was found that the two businesses were "illegally" operating in the residence. DOB issued violations for construction made in the basement without work permits and for occupying the basement "contrary to city records."
The department stated that the cellar is supposedly for "accessory storage" and not to be used as a place for business.
A spokesperson from DOB stated that they have already issued a Full Vacate Order for the building due to its severe damage from the fire and public safety.
According to NBC New York, one of the house's residents came by to check the damage but refused to comment about the incident.
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