Fires in Prospect Park and across the Hudson River caused an unpleasant smell in New York.
Brush fires have caused a smoky smell in New York City, leading to an air quality alert issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The fires broke out in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and nearby New Jersey, surprising residents in a city not accustomed to wildfires but currently facing a drought.
The situation prompted concern among New Yorkers, with many waking up to the smell of smoke on Saturday morning. Desi Yvette, a resident of Williamsburg, described being awakened by the odor in the middle of the night. Despite the unsettling smell, she did not initially realize the source of the fire that had broken out in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park the previous night, burning two acres of wooded area.
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement acknowledging multiple wildfires burning across New York State, particularly in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and the Catskills region. She mentioned the deployment of a “multiagency response” to combat fires in Ulster, Sullivan, and Orange Counties, where hundreds of acres were ablaze.
The Prospect Park fire was reported to firefighters around 6:40 p.m., requiring over 100 emergency responders and three hours to extinguish. The incident highlighted the need for heightened awareness and preparedness in the face of unexpected natural disasters.
As brush fires continue to pose a threat in various parts of the state, residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines to prevent further damage and ensure the well-being of communities.
Source: The NY Times
