Overview
- A fire broke out in an 11th‑floor Patterson Houses apartment late Wednesday after a lithium‑ion battery for an e‑bike or e‑scooter ignited while charging, trapping residents behind the front door.
- Four family members have died from the blaze and related injuries, including 11‑year‑old Zion Maine who died the night of the fire, while one relative remains hospitalized.
- FDNY investigators reported the burning e‑bike blocked the apartment’s exit and firefighters had to force the front door open to reach victims.
- NYCHA allows e‑bikes and e‑scooters to be stored inside units if they do not block exits and an adult is present while charging, but officials say enforcement is difficult and many tenants depend on the devices for work.
- Fire officials noted a sharp rise in lithium‑ion battery fires this year and city leaders have ordered building assessments, safety outreach, and reviews of possible charging infrastructure or pilot solutions.