Firefighters Battle Brush Fire in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
On Friday night, approximately 100 firefighters were dispatched to combat a two-acre brush fire that erupted in a densely wooded area of Prospect Park, Brooklyn. In response to the situation, officials urged residents to steer clear of the vicinity, while drones were deployed to assist in identifying hot spots within the blaze.
“Every time the wind gusts up, we get an ember that creates more fire,” stated Robert S. Tucker, the Fire Department’s commissioner. “This is going to be a long night, and we’re going to be in here until the morning.”
The Fire Department first received reports of the fire around 6:40 p.m., specifically in the Nethermead area, located southeast of the dog beach. As of 9:15 p.m., no injuries had been reported, according to a department spokesman. By Friday evening, officials confirmed that the fire had been contained. However, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, with fire marshals set to launch an investigation once the situation is fully under control.
Officials reiterated their warnings, advising residents to avoid the park and keep their windows closed due to the smoke. Commissioner Tucker noted that evacuating the park was challenging given the darkness and the movement of emergency equipment, which increased the risk of accidental injuries.
The cause of the fire remains unknown but is subject to investigation by the Fire Department. Credit: Benjamin Norman for The New York Times
In a post on X, Mayor Eric Adams highlighted that the city was under a red flag warning for fire risk that evening, attributing it to dry conditions and strong winds. “We urge all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and call 911 if they see a fire,” he cautioned. “Any fire that sparks will catch and spread quickly in these conditions.”
Zachary Iscol, the city’s commissioner of emergency management, remarked on the increasing incidence of brush fires in New York City, emphasizing the importance of taking these occurrences seriously, especially given the minimal rainfall recently. On November 2, New York City was placed under a drought watch. Mr. Iscol indicated that a drought warning, which signifies a higher level of concern, is likely forthcoming, as meteorologists predict a dry November and December for the region.
“This is something that we need to get ahead of,” he urged, calling on New Yorkers to conserve water during this critical time.
Hurubie Meko contributed reporting.
