Operations at a challenging lithium-ion battery fire with FDNY Battalion Chief Ryan Brito and Firefighter Michael Kotzo

About this episode

FDNY members recount their experiences during a challenging lithium-ion battery fire in Harlem, highlighting multiple rescues and bravery awards.

FDNY members operated at a two-alarm fire in a six story, non-fireproof apartment building in Harlem on February 23, 2024. The lithium-ion battery fire originated in an apartment on the third floor and quickly spread into the public hallway, sending thick, black smoke throughout the upper floors of the building. Dozens of panicked residents attempted to escape. Many became trapped on the floors above the fire. Others were forced to the top floor windows, gasping for air. In this episode, Battalion Chief Jason Cascone speaks to Battalion Chief Ryan Brito—who was serving as Captain of Ladder 34 at the time—and Firefighter Michael Kotzo of Ladder 28. Together, they recount this challenging, intense operation, which involved multiple interior rescues and three dramatic roof rope rescues. Six medals were awarded at this year’s Medal Day in recognition of the extraordinary bravery displayed at this fire. Among them, Chief Brito received the Henry D. Brookman Medal and Firefighter Kotzo was awarded the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Medal—the Department’s highest honor for fire operations.

People in this episode

Host: Jason Cascone

Guests: Ryan Brito, Michael Kotzo

Topics covered

• fire operations
• emergency response
• rescue missions
• lithium-ion battery fire
• FDNY bravery
• urban firefighting

Keywords

• FDNY
• firefighter
• lithium-ion battery
• rescue
• Harlem
• fire operations
• Medal Day
• bravery

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FDNY

Places: Harlem

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