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Fire officer: July calls sharp; garage lithium-battery fire contained
Summary
The Hudson City fire-safety officer told the Safety Committee the department answered 69 calls in July, including a garage fire in Hudson caused by a lithium battery on an electric-assist bike; the department warned that lithium-battery fires pose unique challenges and consume large amounts of water.
The Safety Committee heard a monthly report from the city’s fire-safety representative, who said the department answered 69 calls for service in July and is on pace for roughly 275 calls year to date. “So for the month of July, we answered 69 calls for service,” the officer told the committee.
Among the incidents was a garage fire in Hudson caused by a charging lithium battery on an electric-assist bike; the officer said the blaze was contained to the garage. “It was a bike,” the officer said when members asked whether the device was a scooter or bicycle. Committee members and staff discussed the broader trend of lithium-battery incidents across devices — e-bikes, power tools and increasingly electrified yard equipment — and noted the special extinguishing and post‑fire management those fires require because they can reignite and demand large volumes of water.
Council members asked whether the city should prepare resident-facing safety guidance and consider public education about charging, approved batteries and storage. The fire representative also updated the committee on apparatus procurement: the new truck remains in Buffalo pending factory fixes and final inspections; staff expect a clearer delivery timeline shortly. No formal policy action was taken; staff said they would follow up with recommendations if outreach or equipment purchases are needed.
