EAST FISHKILL – The East Fishkill Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Brady Lane approximately 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Fire Chief Frank Lacalamita told Mid-Hudson News that the house contained a large quantity of lithium-ion batteries in the garage which created a hazardous situation for the first responders.
“What began as a typical structure fire with two hand lines stretched, became a major Haz-Mat incident,” Lacalamita said. “I was told that this was one of the largest incidents involving ion batteries to date in New York State.”
Several local fire departments responded along with the Dutchess County and Westchester County Haz-Mat teams. The New York State DEC and the Office for Fire Prevention and Control also responded to the scene.
The lithium-ion batteries had to be removed from the garage and placed into drums containing CellBlock, a fire impression agent used to store the batteries safely.
At 5 p.m. Saturday, the incident was still considered “active,” according to Chief Lacalamita.
Lithium-ion batteries present a real hazard if stored improperly. The homeowner told the fire officials that the substantial number of batteries are the result of a “hobby” of his. The fire investigation team is working to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.
Officials strongly recommend that consumers only use American-made lithium-ion batteries that have been approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
