Brooklyn shop busted over ‘egregious’ lithium-ion battery conditions: FDNY

FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN (PIX11) – A man was arrested after New York City inspectors found “egregious conditions and fire code violations” including unsafe lithium-ion battery sales at a Flatbush shop, according to the FDNY.

Tian Liang Liu, who’s been served repeated violations at the store, now faces reckless endangerment charges related to the shop on Flatbush Avenue near Avenue D, the FDNY announced Monday. Officials did not specify whether Liu owned the shop or worked there.

The deadly consequences of lithium-ion batteries

Inspectors issued multiple violations, including improper storage and sale of lithium-ion batteries. They’ve visited the location three times before, officials said.

“The same individual is at the store every time and he’s been served every time and he’s been made clearly aware that what he is doing is reckless. That’s why we subjected him to arrest that day,” said Chief Fire Marshal Dan Flynn.

Lithium-ion batteries have become a key safety concern for city officials after a slew of fires caused by unregulated batteries.

In February, the City Council passed legislation allowing city officials to shutter businesses caught repeatedly selling unregulated lithium-ion batteries.

And similar disciplinary action could be taken on other stores that have been warned about unsafe batteries, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.

“As we have tragically seen, lithium-ion batteries, especially those that are uncertified, have the potential to explode and rapidly trap residents in a fire,” Kavanagh said.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.

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