By Michael V. Cusenza
Dozens of City firefighters on Friday knocked down a blaze at a South Richmond Hill e-bike shop. This marked the second such fire at the Liberty Avenue business since January 2024.
Sixty of the City’s Bravest on Friday night quickly brought the fire at King Electronic Hub on Liberty Avenue under control in 33 minutes. One civilian was injured and transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
As of Wednesday afternoon, City fire marshals were still investigating the cause of the blaze.
Courtesy of FDNY
A screenshot of security camera footage of King Electronic Hub just as the January 2024 fire began.
In January 2024, FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation determined that a two-alarm fire at King Electronic Hub was caused by caustic lithium-ion batteries.
Earlier this year, City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker announced significant progress in the department’s battle against lithium-ion battery fires. In 2024, the city had six deaths related to lithium-ion batteries, compared to 18 deaths in 2023—a 67-percent decrease.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
The FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit responded to Liberty Avenue after the blaze to share safety information with area residents.
“While the FDNY faced increases in both fire and emergency medical service calls in 2024, our department’s dedication to fire prevention, education, and outreach has saved lives,” Tucker said in January. “Fire-related fatalities are down by 25 percent compared to last year, with a significant 67-percent reduction in deaths related to lithium-ion batteries. One death is too many, but this progress is the result of enhanced public education, inspection efforts, and greater community engagement. Despite the higher volume of calls, our EMS personnel and firefighters have worked tirelessly to save lives, and their efforts have helped make 2024 a safer year for New Yorkers.”
