On Sunday, a five-alarm fire broke out in the Bronx, injuring seven people, according to officials. The fire started at Concourse Food Plaza at 2096 Grand Concourse and East 181st Street around 10:40 a.m. FDNY marshals have determined that the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike, which quickly spread to the entire interior of the supermarket and a laundromat next door within five minutes.

More than 200 firefighters and 50 units were dispatched to put out the fire, which was finally contained. Five FDNY firefighters, an EMS worker, and a civilian were injured in the fire. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening, and they were in stable condition.

Kavanagh also noted that the amount of damage caused by a single bike battery was extraordinary, highlighting how serious such incidents can be. This fire comes just a few days after the New York City Council passed new legislation to regulate lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes. The legislation includes a ban on the sale of unregulated lithium-ion batteries in the city.

The FDNY has warned that lithium-ion batteries can pose a severe hazard when modified or stored improperly. In 2022, more than 200 fires in New York City were connected to lithium-ion batteries, as stated by the City Council. In response, the Council has also approved a measure requiring the FDNY to educate New Yorkers about the dangers of these batteries.