A fire that required nearly 100 firefighters is under investigation for its cause, according to the commissioner.
Prospect Park in Brooklyn faced a challenging situation on Friday night as a brush fire broke out in a densely wooded area, requiring the efforts of about 100 firefighters to contain it. The Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area as they utilized drones to pinpoint and address hot spots within the park. Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker emphasized the ongoing nature of the firefighting operation, noting that the windy conditions were causing embers to reignite the flames, making it a prolonged effort that would last through the night.
The fire was first reported in the Nethermead region near the dog beach around 6:40 p.m., with no injuries reported by 9:15 p.m. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined, but fire marshals would conduct an investigation once the situation was under control. Authorities cautioned residents to steer clear of the park and advised them to keep their windows closed due to the smoke. Evacuating the park was deemed risky due to the darkness and the movement of emergency equipment by firefighters, which could potentially lead to accidental injuries.
Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the red flag warning in effect for fire risk that evening due to the dry weather conditions and strong winds. He urged New Yorkers to remain alert and promptly report any fires they observed, emphasizing the rapid spread potential under the prevailing weather conditions. New York City’s Emergency Management Commissioner, Zachary Iscol, noted a rise in brush fires in the city, attributing it to the minimal rainfall experienced recently. The city had been placed on a drought watch, with expectations of an escalated drought warning as experts predicted continued dry weather in the coming months.
Iscol stressed the importance of proactive measures to address the escalating fire risk, including water conservation efforts by city residents. The situation called for heightened awareness and preparedness to prevent and manage potential fire incidents amidst the challenging weather conditions.
Source: The NY Times
