Seven-year FDNY firefighter Joseph Pendergast was driving to work when he noticed the smoke coming from the four-story building at 152 Parkside Avenue.
A woman told Pendergast there was a man inside the apartment, along with nine dogs. When he opened the door, he knew he needed to move quick..
"There was an e-bike about three feet away from the front door that was just on fire to the right," said Pendergast. "There was another e-bike about 15 feet into the apartment.
Just as Pendergrast found the man and fellow firefighters were trying to make it safety, one of the e-bike batteries exploded..
"I think I broke my hand closing the door on that, or I'm not too sure, but it lit up very quick on us," added Pendergast.
Pendergast and another firefighter were transported to Kings County Hospital for minor injuries.
The man rescued was also sent to the hospital for treatment, according to the FDNY. Four of his nine dogs were saved.
"Very scary," said apartment tenant Masha Roland. "Yes, definitely. Definitely. Because I know the people that live here. I've been living here all my life."
Authorities say they believe the fire may have been sparked by lithium-ion batteries, as the investigation remains ongoing.
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