The May 23 fire that claimed the life of Boston Firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff, Jr. was caused by thermal runaway involving lithium-ion batteries, city officials announced Wednesday. The 24-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department and U.S. Marine Corps veteran died after falling from the third-floor porch of a triple-decker home in Dorchester.
Lithium-Ion Battery Failure at Dorchester Fire
Boston Fire Commissioner Rodney Marshall confirmed at a press conference Wednesday that the blaze at 18 Treadway Road originated on a third-floor enclosed porch. Investigators determined that multiple lithium-ion batteries, which were being stored inside plastic toolboxes, experienced thermal runaway. This phenomenon occurs when a battery produces more heat than it can dissipate.
Kilduff, a third-generation firefighter, was taken to Boston Medical Center following the fall but succumbed to his injuries. Two separate investigations into the incident remain active.
Agencies Probe Fire’s Broader Context
While the cause of the fire is now identified, the broader circumstances surrounding the line-of-duty death remain under review. Commissioner Marshall stated that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Boston Fire Department’s Board of Inquiry are conducting investigations.
“These investigations will examine all of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” Marshall said during the update. “We will allow these processes to proceed without speculation or conclusions.” Officials indicated they would share updates on these findings when they become available.
Safety Guidelines for Battery Storage
Following the announcement, Boston Fire Department officials emphasized the necessity of proper handling for lithium-ion power sources, which are increasingly common in household electronics. District Fire Chief Keith Kelley advised that batteries should be charged on hard surfaces using original equipment manufacturer chargers and stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or exit paths.
The department urged residents to ensure all batteries are certified by nationally recognized testing organizations, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Incident
What is the status of the investigation into Firefighter Kilduff’s death?
The Boston Fire Department’s Board of Inquiry and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are currently conducting investigations into the circumstances of the incident. Officials have not provided a timeline for the conclusion of these reports.
What specific safety precautions should residents take with lithium-ion batteries?
Fire officials recommend charging batteries only on hard surfaces using the manufacturer’s original charger. Batteries should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, devices should not be charged near exit paths, and users should verify that their devices are certified by recognized testing companies like UL.
How did the fire originate at the Dorchester property?
Investigators traced the fire to an enclosed third-floor porch, where multiple batteries stored in plastic toolboxes underwent thermal runaway.
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