FDNY releases new PSA for 100th National Fire Prevention Week

October 7, 2025

The New York City Fire Department commemorated the 100th National Fire Prevention Week with a new Public Service Announcement (PSA), highlighting the dangers of e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.

The PSA warns that explosive e-bike fires are extremely dangerous, often deadly, and very fast moving. To avoid them, the Department reminds viewers to only use lithium-ion batteries that are safety certified by a nationally accredited testing lab like UL.

"Every New Yorker needs to understand that uncertified lithium-ion batteries and tampered e-bikes pose a serious and growing fire danger," FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. "This PSA is part of our ongoing effort to educate the public and prevent tragedies before they happen. Fire prevention starts with awareness, and together, we can keep our city safe."

The FDNY offers these tips for e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries:

• Charge and store OUTDOORS wherever possible
• Never use aftermarket chargers or accessories
• Never charge when you are away or asleep
• Never use damaged batteries
• Never overcharge
• Never block your exits

To make this year's PSA, the Department's Haz-Mat unit triggered a thermal runaway of an e-bike that was confiscated by the NYPD and donated to the FDNY for training and public outreach purposes. The filming was done at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island.

For more life safety tips and information on lithium-ion batteries and micromobility devices, go to FDNYSmart.org.

Established in 1925, National Fire Prevention Week is observed in New York City and the U.S. each year during the week of Oct. 9.

The Department's PSA program is made possible in part with support from the FDNY Foundation, the official nonprofit organization of the Department.