Wildfires in the western United States have always been frequent seasonal occurrences, and in the past couple of years, fires have also erupted in the Pacific Northwest and in eastern Canada, where they are far less expected. But last week, those fires came to us right here in the Northeast, with brushfires breaking out in northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley and even in Prospect Park.
Ongoing drought conditions along the East Coast this fall have made what was once unthinkable a frightening reality.
So far, the exact cause of the fires has not been determined, but the area has seen unusually dry conditions with no meaningful rainfall for more than 40 days. Even the rain that is expected this week is likely to do little to mitigate the dry conditions, and New York City is under a drought warning for the first time in decades. Reservoirs are running dry, and wells, which are also being depleted, are being relied on more heavily. Climate change, by raising temperatures and changing weather patterns, is largely responsible, according to climate scientists.
Currently, open flame and fireworks permits in city parks have been canceled, including in designated grilling areas. The FDNY has responded to 217 brush fires just in the first two weeks of November, the highest number ever recorded within such a short time range. As a result, the FDNY has created its first ever brush fire task force and will be deploying fire marshals, protection inspectors and tactical drones to enable a rapid response to future fires.
New Yorkers can do their part to keep the city from tipping into a drought emergency by conserving water and reporting open hydrants and leaks. You can find tips on how to save water on the Department of Environmental Protection website here.
