New York City firefighters worked diligently overnight to manage a brush fire in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, which scorched approximately two acres. The fire was reported around 7 p.m. Friday by a passerby who noticed smoke in the area. By 8 p.m., the FDNY escalated the response to two alarms due to the fire’s rapid spread.
According to FDNY Brooklyn Borough Commander Joe Duggan, the fire originated in a challenging, hilly area filled with dense brush, making accessibility difficult for the firefighting crews. Approximately 120 firefighters collaborated to bring the blaze under control, and they remained on-site overnight to monitor for any potential flare-ups.
FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker indicated that while some hotter spots remain, the conditions are currently wet, reducing the risk of new fires igniting. He mentioned that the cause of the blaze would be investigated further in daylight.
Fortunately, no structures were in danger, and there were no reported injuries linked to the incident. In addition to the Prospect Park fire, crews responded to another brush fire near the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, but details on that event are still forthcoming.
New York City is currently under a drought watch due to an extended dry spell, with less than two inches of rainfall recorded in Central Park since September and October being the driest month on record for the city. As a result, a Red Flag Warning has been implemented, indicating a significant fire risk due to strong winds and dry conditions.
Officials are urging New Yorkers to be vigilant and report any signs of fire, emphasizing the importance of community awareness. Mayor Eric Adams commended the quick action of the passerby who alerted the authorities, highlighting the community’s role in preventing potential disasters.
In light of recent wildfires on Staten Island, there are plans to encourage local residents to take preventive measures to protect their homes from similar threats. Borough President Vito Fossella and FDNY officials are promoting community cooperation with the State Department of Environmental Conservation to help homeowners mitigate risks.
Firefighters in New Jersey are also actively combating numerous wildfires, including one that migrated smoke across the Hudson River into parts of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx earlier on Friday.
Overall, this incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and quick response by emergency services, emphasizing that individual actions can make a significant difference in preventing the spread of fire in vulnerable areas.