Passaic, NJ — On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Mayor Hector C. Lora and the Passaic Fire Department hosted the annual Fire Safety Open House at the Eastside fire headquarters, welcoming approximately 800 to 1,000 students from local schools to participate in hands-on demonstrations and fire safety education. This year’s event featured an expanded focus on the growing dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, an issue that has emerged with the increasing use of e-bikes, e-scooters, cell phones, and other battery-powered devices.

As part of the day’s activities, children learned about fire hazards and fire prevention techniques, gaining experience through interactive demonstrations. Under the guidance of firefighters like Marcus Kenner, students were taught about the dangers of improper charging practices and storage of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. The event included live demonstrations involving extrication tools, a simulated smoke-filled room for evacuation practice, and a sprinkler activation demonstration by the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board to show how fire suppression systems work.

EV and e-scooter fires, often caused by lithium-ion batteries, have surged dramatically in recent years, posing serious risks. Nationally, fires caused by these batteries increased by 46% in 2023 alone. In urban areas such as Passaic, electric vehicle-related fires are especially dangerous, with entire vehicles being destroyed and fires spreading quickly through buildings.

"Electric vehicle fires are unique and can reignite even after being initially extinguished," said Chief Trentacost. "These fires are fought differently, requiring special training and equipment, which makes them extremely dangerous in dense urban environments like Passaic."

Formal tracking of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires began in 2023 through the combined efforts of the Passaic Fire Department and the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. So far in 2024, the Passaic Fire Department has documented six incidents involving these batteries, two of which caused significant building damage. Another incident was linked to the overcharging of a battery-powered e-scooter or e-bike. Additional cases are under investigation, as lithium-ion battery fires continue to raise safety concerns across the city.

In Passaic, there is growing concern over the risks of storing electric vehicles, e-scooters, and other Li-ion- powered devices indoors—especially in stairwells, on upper floors, or near exits. Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost warns that fires involving these batteries generate toxic fumes and intense heat, making them significantly more dangerous than traditional fires.
 

To ensure safety, Mayor Lora and Chief Trentacost are advising the public to follow these guidelines:

• Avoid Storing EVs or E-Scooters Indoors: Vehicles should not be stored in living spaces or on staircases, as this could block escape routes and allow fires to spread more quickly.
• Use Certified Batteries: Ensure that devices use UL-approved batteries, which have undergone testing for safety. Avoid purchasing or using illegal, non-certified batteries, as they are more likely to catch fire.
• Inspect Batteries Regularly: Residents should regularly inspect their devices for signs of wear or damage. If a battery appears swollen or shows signs of overheating, it should be replaced immediately.
• Direct Plug-In: All devices should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and never through an extension cord or power strip, as this increases the risk of electrical fires.
• No EVs in Underground or Ground-Level Parking: Storing EVs in such areas poses a high fire risk, especially as these fires require specialized techniques to extinguish and cannot be put out with water.  

The Mayor and the Fire Department are also calling for increased education and awareness on the risks posed by EVs and e-scooters, including proper charging, storage, and maintenance practices. "Our goal is to prevent tragedies by ensuring that all residents are informed and prepared," said Mayor Lora.

About Passaic Fire Department:

Mayor Lora, Chief Trentacost and the Passaic Fire Department are committed to ensuring the safety and well- being of all residents through fire prevention, education, and emergency response services.

Firefighters engage a group of young students in a fire safety demonstration on Fire Safety Day, using a model house to teach essential emergency skills

The Open House event is part of Passaic’s commitment to fire prevention and public safety, coinciding with Fire Prevention Month in October. Throughout the month, the Fire Department maintained an informational table at Passaic City Hall to provide residents with resources on fire prevention and safety, including lithium-ion battery handling tips.

For further information on fire safety and how to protect your home from EV and e-scooter fires, please visit cityofpassaic.com or contact the Passaic Fire Department.

Renee Nunez
Rnunez@cityofpassaicnj.gov | Media@cityofpassaicnj.gov | 973-833-8605

Patrick Trentacost Sr.
ptrentacost@cityofpassaicnj.gov | info-fire@cityofpassaicnj.gov | 973-365-5685