Following several brush fires across the City, including in the Highbridge section of the Bronx on Friday, Nov. 8, as well as continued wildfires in New Jersey, New York City Mayor Eric Adams took additional measures on Saturday to mitigate an increased fire risk amid a historic streak of dry weather in the City and in the counties upstate that host New York City’s water reservoirs.

 

Effective Saturday, Nov. 9, the mayor said grilling / barbeques will be banned in New York City parks while the City remains under drought watch, while smoking and other sources of open flame remain illegal throughout the parks system.

“As New York City’s historic streak of dry weather creates new safety risks, today, we are taking additional measures to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Adams. “Effective immediately, we are prohibiting grilling in our parks, and we need all New Yorkers to take commonsense steps to prevent brush fires. Getting through this drought will take all of us working together, and every drop counts, so let’s keep doing our part to save as much water as we can.”

 

FDNY officials said, “In the last few weeks, the FDNY has responded to hundreds of brush fires in the five boroughs. Some have been minor, and others have risen to multiple alarm fires that threaten life and property. Brush fires can spread quickly, fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions. October and November have been historically dry and warm.”

 

The mayor also issued additional reminders to New Yorkers of key steps to help prevent fires amidst dry conditions:

• Fireworks remain illegal across New York City.
• Take extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking other hot construction activities, particularly when near dry grass or leaves.
• Smoking remains illegal on construction sites across the five boroughs. Additional information on construction site fire safety is available online.
• Tapping streetlights for electricity (for things like holiday decorations) remains illegal, as it poses a large fire risk.
• As fallen and bundled leaves can be a fire accelerant, New Yorkers should continue to set out yard waste on their recycling day for New York City Department of Sanitation pickup and call 311 to have the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clear clogged catch basins.
• New Yorkers should remove litter and any excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks abutting their residences and businesses.
• New Yorkers sensitive to changes in air quality should continue to take appropriate precautions and check AirNow’s website for information on city air quality.
• All New Yorkers should subscribe to Notify NYC for up-to-date information.

Camille Joseph Varlack, chief of staff and NYC extreme weather coordinator, said, “As drought conditions persist across our region, we call on all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and take essential precautions to safeguard our communities.” She added, “Our administration is working tirelessly to monitor the evolving situation, issue updated guidance, and implement measures to protect New Yorkers during this prolonged dry period.”

 

Meanwhile, Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said, “New York City has seen historic numbers of brush fires due to the unusually dry season we are having. We urge all residents to avoid outdoor burning, be mindful of smoking and properly dispose of cigarette butts and matches, and to stay on designated trails in parks. Additional precautions should be taken when conducting activities such as welding near dry grass and weeds. We all need to do our part to conserve water. And, as always, if you see a fire or smoke, report it immediately by calling 911.”

On Saturday, the FDNY responded to a call at 3.22 p.m. regarding a brush fire in Van Cortlandt Park near the stables on Broadway and West 254th Street over an area of around 5 acres of brush. They said 12 units, comprising 60 fire personnel responded and the fire was brought under control at 4.56 p.m. No injuries were reported.

 

One fire official said it was mainly leaves which had burned and no trees caught any major fire. Another said as the forecasted strong wind gusts had, by Saturday afternoon, started to subside, it had made the spread of the fire slightly easier to control.

 

A gas station is located a relatively short distance away inside the park from where the fire broke out. To view a short video of the scene, click here. A local employee of the area, Yancy, shared the attached photo of the fire in the park.

On Monday, Stephanie Ehrlich, executive director of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, said in part, “Van Cortlandt Park’s devoted team of NYC Parks workers, VCPA staff, and vital volunteers have worked together tirelessly identifying new fires that continue to pop up, alerting FDNY and NYPD, and in some cases – assisting with putting the fires out. They are true heroes.”

 

She thanked the FDNY and NYPD who she said responded quickly to contain each flare up and NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol and Rangers who patrolled the park at all hours. “Thanks to those of you who have been vigilant and alerted us to fire conditions in the field.
We very much appreciate your help and hope that we can count on you in the months ahead.”

 

Ehrlich said caring for the woodlands was core to VCPA’s mission, and it would be assessing the damage and starting the work of stabilizing the area and restoring it with native plantings as soon as possible. “For those who are able, we appreciate your contribution of any size to help with these efforts,” she said, sharing the group’s link for donations. “We will also provide volunteer opportunities to support our woodland work. Please also use your voice to advocate for a fully funded NYC Parks budget, which is critical for keeping our city’s green spaces thriving.”

 

Open fires, BBQs, and smoking are prohibited in the parks, and any fires should be reported immediately to 911.

Regarding the ongoing drought watch, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said, “Our city is currently experiencing a combination of environmental concerns that require everyone’s attention and cooperation. Wildfire smoke from New Jersey is impacting our air quality. Dry conditions and high winds have elevated the risk of fire within the city, and a drought watch is in effect because of lower-than-normal water reservoir levels.”

 

He added, “This administration is responding actively and prepared to deploy any resources needed. Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by dialing 911; conserve water and follow the city’s guidelines; check in on your neighbors, particularly those who may be vulnerable; and, of course, subscribe to Notify NYC for emergency alerts. We all have a part to play in keeping our city safe.”

 

City officials said DEP Police and staff from DEP’s Bureau of Water Supply have joined with local and state first responders in fighting wildfires in and near the upstate watershed in recent weeks, pursuant to their responsibility to protect New York City’s sources of water.

They said that included fighting a 400-acre wildfire which was still burning on Saturday in the New York City watershed in Ulster County, using DEP Police helicopters for rapid and effective response in forested areas, and assisting firefighting efforts in adjacent areas. They said while these efforts are critical in protecting New York City’s drinking water reservoirs and surrounding lands, they also put further strain on New York City’s water supply, increasing the importance of conservation efforts and efforts to prevent forest fires.

 

Adams’ issuance of a drought watch  was the first of three levels of water conservation declarations by the city. City officials said as conditions continue to evolve, the City may need to declare a drought warning or, subsequently, a drought emergency, which involve escalating requirements to reduce water usage at city agencies and on New Yorkers.

Adams also reminded all New Yorkers to do their part to conserve water. Some simple tips include:

• reporting open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311;
• not flushing the toilet unnecessarily;
• Taking shorter showers, saving five to seven gallons a minute;
• not runnng the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth;
• fixing keaks, since they can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, according to the EPA;
• running the dishwasher and washing machine only when full;
• installing water-saving fixtures, including low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as faucet aerators; and
• sweeping driveways and sidewalks clean rather than washing them down with a hose.

For more tips, visit DEP’s Water Savings Tips website.

 

Click on the following links to read our coverage to date on the drought watch and other related brush fires.

 

On Sunday, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued an updated air quality advisory which they said is in effect until midnight on Sunday, Nov. 10. in the New York City Metro Region, Lower Hudson Valley, and Upper Hudson Valley Regions. They said the pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter.

 

They said DEC and health authorities issue air quality health advisories when DEC meteorologists predict that levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an air quality index (AQI) value of 100. The said the AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

 

In the context of a discussion on the various recent brush fires in New York City in the last week or so, a supermarket employee in Wakefield lamented the results of the recent presidential election, saying it was a tragedy given all the recent brush fires which were happening across the City that the country had elected Trump, someone who previously tried to get rid of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).