Overview
- The fire began just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, inside an 11th‑floor apartment at NYCHA’s Patterson Houses in the Bronx and left an 11‑year‑old dead at the scene.
- Three relatives who were critically injured in the blaze died days later and one adult remains hospitalized in critical condition, bringing the confirmed death toll to four.
- FDNY investigators say a charging lithium‑ion e‑bike or e‑scooter battery ignited in the kitchen and was placed in the pathway of the front door, blocking residents’ escape and forcing firefighters to force the unit door open.
- NYCHA policy allows indoor storage of e‑bikes and e‑scooters if they do not block exits and an adult is awake while charging, and city officials have pledged building checks, safety outreach and a review of charging rules.
- Fire officials report a sharp rise in battery‑related fires this year and say lithium‑ion cells can enter thermal runaway and spread fire quickly, a fact that is driving consideration of regulated charging options and pilot charging sites.