In New York, a fire in one apartment can affect a whole building. Smoke travels through hallways, stairwells and shafts, and water used to fight the fire can soak the floors below. Lithium ion batteries, space heaters and old wiring are some of the biggest local risks.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent fire damage restoration provider that serves the New York area, where one is available for your ZIP code. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Fire risks in New York
Lithium ion batteries
The FDNY has named lithium ion batteries in e bikes and scooters as a leading cause of deadly fires in the city. Charge them outside living areas where possible and never overnight.
Space heaters and old wiring
Older buildings may have wiring that struggles with modern loads, and space heaters in winter add to the risk.
Smoke in multi unit buildings
Smoke can spread through hallways and shafts into apartments far from the fire, which is why the FDNY urges residents to close the door behind them when escaping.
Water damage below
Firefighting water often damages the apartments below the fire, even when they never saw a flame.
Areas across New York
Sifixit connects callers across the city of New York, including all five boroughs, including neighborhoods such as Harlem, the Upper West Side, Park Slope, Bushwick, Astoria, Flushing, Riverdale and St. George, and nearby places such as Yonkers, Jersey City, Hoboken and Long Island.
Sifixit does not have an office or staff in New York. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses, and availability depends on your ZIP code and the job.
Permits and local rules
Cleanup itself does not usually need a permit, but the repairs that follow often do. Inside the city of New York, larger drywall, electrical and plumbing repairs can require permits from the NYC Department of Buildings. Homes in other cities, such as Yonkers, Jersey City or Long Island, follow the rules of that city or county.
New York State licenses mold assessors and mold remediators, and home improvement contractors working in the city need a license from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Seasonal risks in New York
Do not go back inside after a fire until the fire department says it is safe. If you smell gas or see smoke, leave and call 911.
- Winter: space heaters and heating equipment see the most use.
- Holidays: cooking and decorations raise fire risk.
- Summer: air conditioners strain older wiring.
- All year: battery charging and cooking are common causes.
Be prepared
- Charge e bike and scooter batteries away from exits and never overnight
- Use batteries and chargers certified to recognized safety standards
- Keep space heaters three feet from anything that can burn
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month
- Know your building’s fire safety plan and close doors behind you when escaping
Learn more before you call
Our main fire damage restoration guide explains the warning signs, what affects the cost, what you can safely handle yourself and the questions to ask before you hire. It applies in New York just as it does everywhere else.
New York questions
Who pays for fire damage in my apartment?
Usually the building’s insurance covers the structure, and your renters, co op or condo policy covers your belongings and interior. Check both policies.
Is my apartment safe after a fire in the building?
Wait for the FDNY and building management to say it is safe. Smoke and water from another unit can still affect yours.
Can smoke damage from a neighbor's fire be claimed?
Often, yes, under your own renters or homeowners policy. Photograph the damage and call your insurer.
Does Sifixit have an office in New York?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses that serve the New York area.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.