FDNY battle Queens fire amid frigid temps, frozen hydrant; e-bikes found at scene

QUEENS - New York City firefighters encountered a frozen hydrant, as well as multiple e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, following a Friday morning fire in Queens, the FDNY said.

What we know:

The FDNY responded just before 5:30 a.m. to 142-33 60th Avenue – between 142nd and 146th streets – in the Flushing section, where they encountered "heavy fire down on the first floor."

The hydrant in front of the building was frozen, so firefighters had to find another up the road. After putting out the blaze, firefighters saw "that it was multiple e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries that had been on fire."

According to officials, two people suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries, while another suffered minor injuries. Around 12 units comprised of 60 fire and EMS personnel responded to the fire.

What they're saying:

"The first companies got there and they had heavy fire coming out the first floor. When they stretched their hose, they had a frozen hydrant in front of the building, so they had to go up and find another hydrant up the road, so there was a delay in water," Chief Christopher Paolicelli said. "The companies put out the fire, and then saw that it was multiple e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries that had been on fire."

What we don't know:

The exact cause of the fire was unknown at the time. It's unclear how many people, if any, were displaced.