Amid a historic drought, the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) has reported an unprecedented spike in brush fires across the city, with the Bronx bearing the brunt of the blazes.
Between Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, the FDNY was dispatched to put out a record-breaking 229 brush fires, with 67 of those occurring in the Bronx, 56 in Queens, 51 in Brooklyn, 24 in Manhattan and 17 in Staten Island.
Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker cautioned Bronx residents and all New Yorkers about the elevated brush fire risk, emphasizing the need for safety measures.
“Remarkably dry conditions in October and so far in November have resulted in a historic amount of brush fires over the last two weeks, and we need the public to remain vigilant,” said Commissioner Tucker. “With minimal rainfall, dry vegetation, and windy conditions, the risk of fast-spreading fires poses a real threat to our city and FDNY members.”
The sharp rise in brush fires is unprecedented. In a typical October, the FDNY responds to around 200 brush fires—based on the past three years. This year, that number was exceeded in just two weeks.
On Nov. 2, Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Environmental Protection declared a city-wide drought watch following October, the city’s driest month on record. The drought conditions, paired with warmer temperatures, have left Bronx green spaces dry and vulnerable to ignition.
With over 2,000 acres of forested land, the Bronx is the city’s second greenest borough, according to the NYC Nature Map, creating more fuel for potential fires. On Nov. 4, the vast expanses of Van Cortlandt Park were ablaze, with thick smoke visible for miles. FDNY responded to four separate fires in the park simultaneously, utilizing drones to locate and contain flames, NBC New York reported.
That same day, Mayor Adams implemented a ban on outdoor grilling in all city parks, urging New Yorkers to take “common sense steps to prevent brush fires.”
By Saturday, yet another fire flared up in the northwest corner of Van Cortlandt Park. The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance issued a public alert on social media as both NYPD and the Parks Department responded to control the flames, underscoring the persistent threat the drought has brought to Bronx neighborhoods.
FDNY Commissioner asked that anyone who sees smoke to call 911 and issued the following fire safety precautions:
- Avoid outdoor burning, including campfires, bonfires, and any other open flames.
- Grilling has been banned in New York City Parks while the city remains in drought conditions.
- Be mindful of smoking. If you smoke outdoors, always dispose of your cigarette butts and matches properly.
- Take extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking other hot construction activities, particularly when near dry grass or leaves.
- When enjoying our parks, please stay on designated trails. This will help protect surrounding vegetation and minimize the risk of accidental fires.
- Fireworks remain illegal across New York City.
- Take additional precautions when doing activities like welding near dry grass and weeds.
- Remove litter and any excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks abutting residences and businesses.
