Lithium-Ion Battery Suspected in Early Morning Basement Fire on 64th Street

By Y.M. Lowy

An early morning fire tore through the basement of a two-story home on 64th Street, leaving one person critically injured and sending a heavy emergency response rushing into the neighborhood.

The fire broke out just before 7 a.m. at 2246 64th Street. Fire trucks and emergency vehicles quickly lined the block as FDNY crews worked to contain the blaze inside the home’s basement.

Fire officials say a lithium-ion battery was found at the scene and is believed to be connected to the fire. One individual was discovered in critical condition, required CPR at the scene, and was transported to the hospital in serious, unconscious condition. The patient’s current status has not yet been released.