By Michael V. Cusenza
A swift fire on Sunday sparked by the unnerving explosions of lithium-ion batteries haphazardly stored inside an Ozone Park shop gutted the small business, according to the FDNY and published reports.
No injuries were reported at the two-alarm inferno at Bud Haven on Liberty Avenue.
Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
Bud haven is located at Liberty Avenue and 95th Street.
Sunday morning’s blaze capped a busy, battery fueled weekend for the City’s Bravest. There were five fires involving lithium-ion batteries, and 10 total battery caused fires in the last week.
On Friday, April 12, the City Fire Department E-Safety Task Force returned to a store at 1239 Flatbush Ave., in Brooklyn, to conduct a follow-up inspection following three previous visits to the same location.
Investigators found 15 lithium-ion batteries and multiple e-bikes without proper certification for sale throughout the store. Additionally, little to no compliance was found on previous violations, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
File Photo
Bravest properly dispose of the dangerous batteries.
Violations, including improper storing of lithium-ion batteries, storing loose lithium-ion battery cells, and other fire code violations were issued. FDNY Fire Marshals arrested Tian Liang Liu and charged him with reckless endangerment.
“As we have tragically seen, lithium-ion batteries — especially those that are uncertified — have the potential to explode and rapidly trap residents in a fire. This store was operating below residential apartments,” Kavanagh said. “The safety of New Yorkers and our members is our top priority. Our FDNY Fire Marshals and the Bureau of Fire Prevention will continue to crack down on the sellers of these uncertified and dangerous devices, and we will continue to remind people of the dangers they pose.”
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
Batteries confiscated by FDNY investigators.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
FDNY Fire Marshals arrested Tian Liang Liu and charged him with reckless endangerment.
