Brooklyn fire was caused by lithium-ion battery: FDNY

OCEAN HILL, Brooklyn (PIX11) – A Brooklyn fire that injured 9 people and displaced dozens was caused by a lithium-ion battery, according to the FDNY. 

The fire broke out at a three-story building on Dean Street between Mother Gaston Boulevard and Sachman Street around 10:39 p.m. Monday, officials said. The blaze was finally under control after 1 a.m., according to the FDNY. 

Nine people, including six firefighters, were injured with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. The fire spread to four surrounding buildings. 

“This lithium-ion battery was an electric stand-up scooter… it ignited a massive fire, which displaced dozens of residents, injured firefighters and residents, and destroyed five homes,” said Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn. “One single battery took out five homes.”

It was the second lithium-ion fire this week after a barge set fire in Queens. 

There have been 171 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries so far this year, according to FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker. 

“We are lucky no one was killed or seriously injured,” Flynn said.