NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker announced the establishment of the department’s first-ever Brush Fire Task Force on Sunday as wildfires continue to pop up across the Northeast, including in New York City, amid a historically dry and hot fall.
The task force will be made up of fire marshals, fire inspectors and tactical drone units to help ensure rapid and effective responses to brush fires, conduct investigations to determine the causes of wildfires and improve and expand data to help with fire prevention.
“Due to a significant lack of rainfall, the threat of fast-spreading brush fires fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions have resulted in an historic increase of brush fires throughout New York City,” Tucker said. “By creating this task force, we are taking real action to prevent brush fires from occurring, putting protocols in place to keep our members safe while they are in the field, and working to identify the causes of these fires after they happen to keep New Yorkers safe in the future.”
In a two-week period, from Nov. 1 through Nov. 14, the FDNY said that it responded to 271 brush fires across the five boroughs. This is the highest amount in a two-week period in recorded NYC history.
Last week, firefighters fought a large brush fire at Inwood Park, as wildfires across the region rage on. On the New York and New Jersey border, the Jennings Creek wildfire continues to burn, and hundreds have been affected by an ongoing voluntary evacuation order. Eighteen-year-old volunteer firefighter Dariel Vasquez with the New York State Parks Department died while responding to that same fire.
The FDNY's task force is challenged with completing risk assessments and data collection while educating the public before wildfires break out; providing tactical support and investigation support as wildfires are ongoing; and investigating fire origin, performing damage assessments and post-fire inspections and collaborating among agencies in the aftermath of wildfires.
Fire officials said that amid the current fire hazard conditions, the department’s Community Affairs Unit will continue to share brush fire safety tips and coordinate fire safety education events to raise awareness of the best tips for preventing brush fires.
The FDNY recommends that New Yorkers:
• Avoid outdoor burning, including campfires, bonfires and other open flames.
• Follow the ban on grilling in NYC Parks while the city is in drought conditions.
• Be mindful of smoking, including the disposal of cigarette butts and matches.
• Take extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking flammable construction activities, particularly when near dry grass or leaves.
• Stay on designated trails in parks in order to protect vegetation and minimize accidental fire risk.
• Avoid the use of fireworks, which remain illegal across NYC.
• Remove litter and excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks abutting residences and businesses.
• Stay informed about emergencies throughout the city by signing up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or calling 311.
For more information on the task force, visit the FDNY website here.