Lithium-ion batteries found at Marble Hill building fire that left 10 people injured

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
At least 10 people hurt in Marble Hill apartment building fire
Darla Miles has the latest details on the building fire from Marble Hill.

MARBLE HILL, Manhattan (WABC) -- Lithium-ion batteries were recovered from the scene of a fire at a multiple-story building in Manhattan that left at least 10 people injured on Monday.

FDNY crews responded to 36 Marble Hill Ave. West 225th Street in Marble Hill around 2:20 p.m. for reports of a fire inside a building containing nine apartments.

Over 30 units and nearly 140 fire personnel responded to the scene of the three-alarm fire.

FDNY officials say the fire appeared to have started in the hallway and quickly spread to apartments on the second, third and fourth floors, trapping some residents and forcing others to evacuate via fire escapes.

Firefighters were able to safely remove all residents.

Officials say four civilians suffered minor injuries, and six firefighters also suffered injuries.

They say the fire was initially believed to have been caused by an e-bike, prompting a HazMat response.

A press conference was held Monday evening after the fire was placed under control, where FDNY officials indicated that no batteries were found inside the building. However, they later confirmed that lithium-ion batteries were found at the scene.

Fire marshals are now investigating the cause of the fire.

The Department of Buildings issued a full Vacate Order after inspectors found that the building sustained significant fire damage, including structural damage to the first floor stairwell, charred interior walls, missing windows and a partially collapsed roof.

The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents and has registered 12 households, including 25 adults, six children and six pets.

Any residents affected by this fire who were not able to connect with the Red Cross on scene and who need help with their recovery should call 877-RED CROSS (877-733-2767).

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