Cracking the code of lithium-Ion batteries with FDNY Chief of Safety James Canty and Battalion Chiefs Ray Coyle and Matt Quinn

About this episode

The episode discusses the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and safety measures for handling them during emergencies.

Over the past several years, lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly common. Most people are now familiar with the fire risks associated with the batteries used in e-bikes and scooters, devices that have tragically contributed to 34 fire related deaths in New York City since 2021, as of the date of publication. But, the presence of lithium-ion batteries goes far beyond micromobility. They're found in everything from electric vehicles to large grid-scale energy storage systems, some of which are being installed in urban environments within the five boroughs. In this episode, Battalion Chief Jason Cascone hosts a comprehensive discussion with FDNY Chief of Safety James Canty, and Hazmat Battalion Chiefs Ray Coyle and Matt Quinn about why lithium-ion batteries can be volatile, how to safely operate at fires involving them, and mitigating them on the fireground.

People in this episode

Host: Jason Cascone

Guests: James Canty, Ray Coyle, Matt Quinn

Topics covered

• lithium-ion batteries
• fire safety
• hazmat operations
• urban energy storage
• fire risks
• e-bikes and scooters

Keywords

• lithium-ion batteries
• fire safety
• FDNY
• hazmat
• urban environments
• e-bikes
• scooters
• fire risks
• energy storage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FDNY

Products: lithium-ion batteries

Places: New York City

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