KEW GARDENS HILLS, Queens (WABC) — At least a dozen children are being treated for injuries after a fire in a two-story house in Queens.
A basement fire was reported at 147-07 72nd St. at 147th St. around 2:00 p.m.
The NYPD said the home had a day care on the first floor and was under control by 2:45 p.m.
FDNY officials said 18 children were removed from the building, including one in critical condition. The remaining 17 were stable and refused medical attention at the scene.
A lithium battery was found in the basement, but the cause of the fire is under investigation.
“The lithium-ion batteries we’ve had issues with, especially charging them,” said Fire Chief John Esposito. “The message we want to convey is that you should use other, regulated, certified batteries. Do not charge them in the driveway or on the way out of the apartment. Do not charge at night. Charge when you are awake, at home, into a locked room.”
Few other details have been released.
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