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Fires by Lithium Batteries in New York: Lagging Regulation and Prevention

Updated on: May 29

The busy streets of New York City have recently seen alarming incidents - fires caused by lithium batteries. These batteries, widely used in electronic devices and even in energy storage systems, have led to serious fires with devastating consequences.


The Events

The fires, spread across several neighborhoods of the city, have been devastating to both property and the safety of residents. In some cases, they have even resulted in personal injury. It seems that the abundant presence of lithium batteries combined with improper use or faulty equipment are the main causes of these fire incidents.


Lagging Regulations

A worrying aspect of this situation is the lagging regulations regarding the storage and use of lithium batteries in the United States, especially when compared to the strict standards set forth in the PGS37 guidelines in the Netherlands. New York lacks clear regulations and adequate control mechanisms to ensure safety around lithium batteries.


Why lithium fires are difficult to extinguish

One of the challenges in extinguishing lithium fires is the reaction of lithium with water. When lithium comes in contact with water, it can react violently and even ignite. This makes traditional extinguishing methods such as water and standard extinguishers ineffective in controlling lithium fires. As a result, specialized extinguishing methods and equipment are needed to fight and control lithium fires.


Prevention with Lithium Safety Containers

A crucial step in preventing such fires is to implement appropriate safety measures, such as the use of lithium safety containers. These specialized containers are designed to minimize the risks of fire and explosion when lithium batteries are stored. If these containers were widely used in New York, the recent fires would likely have been prevented.


Conclusion

The recent fires caused by lithium batteries in New York highlight the urgent need for better regulations and preventive measures. With proper laws and safety regulations, like those in the Netherlands, and the use of lithium safety containers, we can improve safety and significantly reduce the risks of fire from lithium batteries.


Want to learn more about how lithium safety containers can help prevent fires caused by lithium batteries? Then contact us today for more information and find out how we can work together to create a safer environment.








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