Fire at University Heights Barbershop Caused by Battery
The fatal blaze at a NYC small business highlights the risks posed by lithium-ion battery storage.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Two individuals, Willy Reyes and Shanti Quinones, died following a fire at La Roka Barbershop at 31 W. Burnside Ave. in the University Heights neighborhood. The FDNY determined that the fire was sparked by a lithium-ion battery.
Why it matters
The tragedy underscores the fire safety risks small-business owners face when charging or storing lithium-ion power sources on their premises. Improper handling of these batteries has become a significant liability concern for storefront operations.
The incident resulted in two confirmed fatalities following an investigation into the fire at the 31 W. Burnside Ave. location. The FDNY confirmed the ignition source, though details regarding the specific battery unit remain under review.
The players
FDNY
The municipal department responsible for fire suppression and safety inspections across all New York City businesses.
La Roka Barbershop
A local grooming business located in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx.
Willy Reyes
An individual who died following the fire at the barbershop premises.
Shanti Quinones
An individual who was burned inside the barbershop and died from injuries.
The details
The fire occurred at La Roka Barbershop, impacting a standard commercial storefront in University Heights. FDNY investigators identified a lithium-ion battery as the ignition source for the blaze. For small business owners, this highlights the necessity of strictly managing power storage and charging protocols to mitigate fire hazards within dense urban retail environments.
Timeline
August 28, 2026: Shanti Quinones died from injuries sustained during the fire.
September 28, 2026: A vigil was held to honor Willy Reyes following his death.
Market Landscape
The fatal fire follows a documented trend of increasing safety concerns regarding lithium-ion battery hazards in New York City. The incident mirrors the growing fire risks that municipal authorities have sought to address through updated storage and charging regulations.
Operators using lithium-ion power tools or equipment should audit their charging areas to ensure they meet current fire safety standards. Business owners should consult with qualified fire safety counsel to verify compliance with local storage requirements.
The takeaway
Lithium-ion battery safety is now a critical operational component for any business utilizing high-capacity portable power. Ensure that all charging stations are located away from combustible materials and are monitored per the latest FDNY safety guidelines.
Further reading
For more information on retail operations and local business developments, visit the New York City Openings & Closings section.
