FDNY: 12 hurt in building fire in Gowanus, lithium-ion batteries discovered at scene

The fire broke out around 7 a.m. at the building located on 15th Street off Third Avenue, just as many residents were starting their day.

Faith Graham

Sep 17, 2024, 4:37 PM

Updated yesterday

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The FDNY says 12 people were hurt when an apartment building went up in flames in Gowanus this morning. Lithium-ion batteries were discovered at the scene, according to the FDNY.
Of the 12 people who are hurt, the FDNY says three are in the hospital.
The fire broke out around 7 a.m. at the building located on 15th Street off Third Avenue, just as many residents were starting their day.
Tenants reported waking to the smell of smoke and rubber and seeing flames outside their windows, with the fire believed to have originated on the first floor before spreading.
At the scene, a melted e-bike was pulled from the building. The FDNY says hazmat was called as a result of the lithium-ion batteries found at the scene.
The Red Cross also arrived to assist displaced residents.
The fire marshal will investigate the official cause of the fire and determine whether the lithium-ion batteries played a role in the incident.