NYC sees a 70% increase in lithium-ion battery fires in 2026 – an unprecedented and dangerous record, FDNY says

NYC FDNY reports a 70% increase in lithium-ion battery fires in 2026, with 235 incidents compared to 138 in the same period last year. While non-structural fires tripled, fatalities and injuries from such fires have declined in recent years. A June 2026 fire in Queens caused by a micro mobility device resulted in one death.