Four family members died and one was critically injured after a lithium-ion battery caught fire inside a Bronx apartment on Oct. 28. The battery was in the kitchen when it exploded, blocking the apartment's exit and trapping a family inside.
Lithium-ion battery fires can erupt in seconds, spread rapidly, and produce intense heat and toxic smoke.
These fires can be deadly. We are reminding all New Yorkers to take these precautions seriously:
▪️ Charge and store these batteries and devices outside, wherever possible.
▪️ Never block doorways, hallways or exits.
▪️ Only purchase batteries and devices that are certified by a nationally recognized testing lab, like UL.
▪️ Never use damaged or incompatible batteries or chargers.
Following these safety tips can be the difference between life and death. Don't take the risk. Don't ignore the warnings.
🕑 Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. Remember, only working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms save lives. When it's time to "fall back," it's also a good time to check and replace any batteries.
For more safety tips, go to https://t.co/pW3dITO1b7.
The 2026 @NYCMarathon is days away! FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore joined TCS NYC Marathon leaders and city officials on Wednesday in Central Park for the ceremonial painting of the Blue Line, marking the official kickoff to marathon race week and the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course.
The FDNY will be coordinating with its public safety partners over the weekend to keep runners and spectators safe. Good luck to all, especially the FDNY members competing for the Mayor's Cup! 🏆
So far in 2026, there have been 401 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. There have been 74 injuries and six deaths related to these fires.
These numbers are up from 2025.
We implore all New Yorkers to heed our warnings and safety messaging on lithium-ion batteries and micromobility devices. Safe practices can save your life, and the lives of your family and neighbors.
Every call. Every emergency. Every day.
This National First Responders Day, the FDNY honors the dedicated men and women who answer the call and put the safety of others first.
⚠️ UPDATE — FATAL FIRE CAUSE: FDNY Fire Marshals have determined the cause of a deadly all-hands fire overnight at 320 Morris Avenue in the Bronx is a lithium-ion battery.
One civilian died and four other civilians suffered critical injuries.
Promotion days in the FDNY are celebrations of excellence, dedication and heart. Congratulations to our members who were promoted to the ranks of deputy chief and lieutenant on Tuesday at the Fire Academy.
These members are stepping into pivotal chapters of their careers as they take on the honor and responsibility of leadership in the greatest fire department in the world. As leaders, they will manage fires, guide our people and lead the brave men and women under their command.
The ceremony took place at a landmark location in FDNY history. This year, the Department marks 50 years since the first class of probationary firefighters graduated from the Fire Academy on Randall's Island. Half a century of tradition, sacrifice and strength—a legacy that continues with every new generation of FDNY leaders.
Saturday was a wonderful day at FDNY Headquarters as we celebrated graduates of the Youth EMS Academy (YEMSA) program!
Over the summer, these dedicated young people gained hands-on experience, built critical skills, and learned what it means to serve their community as future EMTs.
This work matters, and they do, too.
I look forward to seeing many of them continue their journey toward becoming the next generation of FDNY EMTs! 👏
FDNY members, friends and family gathered on Saturday to celebrate the completion of the Youth EMS Academy (YEMSA) program, recognizing students for their hard work, dedication and commitment to pursuing careers in emergency medical services.
📸 Check out all the action from Saturday's inaugural Battle of the Badges women's volleyball matchup with the NYPD! Congratulations to the Finest on their win! 🤝🏐
Fire safety is a shared responsibility.
On Thursday, I joined Chief of Department John Esposito and other Department members at the 38th Fire and Life Safety Director's Association of Greater New York Symposium in Brooklyn to discuss the importance of communication, preparation and partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe.
Thank you to the FLSDA for its continued partnership and to all fire and life safety directors for the important work they do to protect our city.
🔺 HIGH-ANGLE TECHNICAL RESCUE
At about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, the FDNY responded to 3 World Trade Center in Manhattan, where five people were trapped in an elevator inside a blind shaft near the 32nd floor.
With no direct access to the elevator car, two firefighters—one from Rescue 1 and one from Squad 18—entered the blind shaft at the 47th floor and were lowered approximately 175 feet to reach the trapped occupants. The two firefighters, assisted by members from Engine 10 and Ladder 10, brought one civilian to safety, ascending back up the 175 feet via rope.
After the initial high-angle technical rescue, members were able to gain access to the elevator car by breaching a wall in a bathroom on the 32nd floor and removed the four remaining individuals.
One civilian and two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
This is the specialized training, technical expertise and teamwork FDNY members bring to the most challenging emergencies in New York City.
The FDNY proudly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the FDNY Ner Tamid Society on Tuesday at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.
The event brought together members and supporters to honor a century of service and dedication to the Department and the communities we serve.
Congratulations to the Ner Tamid Society on this historic milestone and 100 years of preserving a proud legacy within the FDNY!
📸 Spent Monday evening with some of the members from Engine 234/Ladder 123/Battalion 38 in Brooklyn. Thank you for the time together and, most importantly, thank you for your continued dedication to serving and protecting New Yorkers every day!
The FDNY was proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Thursday at FDNY Headquarters, recognizing the rich culture, heritage and contributions of Hispanic members across our Department and New York City.
Hosted by the FDNY Hispanic Society, the celebration featured an awards presentation honoring several members and musical performances. Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
🔥 We kicked off today’s Day of Action with a press conference in the Bronx at City Council Member Pierina Sanchez’s office. NYCEM's Commissioner Farrell and FDNY's First Deputy Commissioner Flynn joined us to highlight how simple fire safety steps can save lives and protect homes and neighbors.
Throughout the day, NYC Emergency Management and @FDNY hit the streets across all five boroughs to share FDNY’s Take 5! Fire Safety Tips and help New Yorkers stay safe.
🔥 Here are 5 tips to remember:
1️⃣ Plug large appliances directly into wall outlets.
2️⃣ Always stay by your pan while cooking.
3️⃣ Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work on every floor and near where you sleep.
4️⃣ Have an escape plan and practice it.
5️⃣ Charge and store lithium-ion batteries outside when possible, and dispose of them properly.
Our Strengthening Communities partners have been hitting the streets to spread the word and help keep their neighborhoods safe. Take 5 minutes to learn these tips. They could save your life!
#FireSafety #FDNY #NYCEM #DayOfAction #NYC
Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore and other FDNY members gathered at the EMS Academy on Wednesday to unveil a new memorial wall honoring the lives, service and sacrifices of fallen FDNY EMS members.
The memorial recognizes members who died in the line of duty, those lost to World Trade Center-related illnesses, and members of the Bureau of Training who passed away while actively serving the Department.
The project was inspired by Probationary Firefighter Haley Sato, a former EMS Drill Instructor who began her career with the Department at the EMS Academy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those who inspired her was EMT Idris Bey, her lead instructor, who died from COVID-19.
Determined to honor his legacy, Firefighter Sato raised more than $13,000 through the sale of challenge coins in his memory. With the support of Ladder Company 120, FDNY EMS Drill Instructors and the Bureau of Training, her vision of creating a lasting tribute to fallen EMS members became a reality.
"This wall is an important reminder of the fallen EMS members who served New York City. Their work was and always will be essential, and their contributions deserve recognition," Commissioner Bonsignore said.
FDNY firehouses and EMS stations across New York City will open their doors to the public Oct. 17-18!
Stop by and meet your local first responders, check out their tools and apparatus, and learn more about the work they do every day to keep you safe.
Find the FDNY Open House in your neighborhood: https://t.co/BYGNzOaZzl