New York City firefighters contained a rare brushfire in Brooklyn's Prospect Park late yesterday (Friday), as the city grapples with historic drought conditions and unusually high temperatures. The blaze, which affected the popular Nethermead meadow area, required response from 25 fire units including drone support.
"After the driest October on record, NYC is under a drought watch, which highly increases our risk of fires," Mayor Eric Adams warned on social media platform X.
There has been a surge in brushfires across the Northeast, with multiple fires reported in New Jersey and Connecticut requiring evacuations and road closures in several areas.
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol noted an concerning uptick in brushfire incidents due to prolonged lack of rainfall. The city is experiencing its second-longest period without rain in recorded history, with dry conditions expected to persist through year's end.
The drought extends beyond New York, with more than half of the lower 48 states now experiencing drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor. Eastern and mid-Atlantic states are particularly affected.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid the affected area, keep windows closed, stay alert for further fire warnings, and follow local emergency management updates.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries during the operation and was transported to a local hospital. The cause of the Prospect Park fire remains under investigation.