VIDEO: The FDNY says fire departments worldwide are experiencing an increase in fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries.
FDNY officials demonstrated just how much damage the batteries can do, showing an e-bike spark into flames inside the auditorium of its training facility on Randall's Island.
Wednesday's demonstration was part of a new national campaign by UL's Fire Safety Research Institute's campaign (FSRI) named "Take Charge of Battery Safety."
"This is not just a New York City issue. We are leading the way, as we so often do, with the most people, with the greatest density and certainly with the greatest and largest fire department in the country," Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
"We have a chance to talk about electrification, modernization and technology and the dangers that it can face -- but also, the solutions," Kavanagh said.