A smoky haze blanketed parts of New York City on Thursday as firefighters battled an unprecedented surge in brush fires, fueled by the historic drought gripping the Northeast. These fires have been growing in frequency and intensity, creating hazardous conditions for both residents and emergency responders.

One of the largest blazes broke out in Inwood Hill Park, located where the Hudson and Harlem Rivers meet. The three-alarm fire quickly consumed nearly 200 acres of the park, which includes Manhattan’s largest remaining old-growth forest. Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker reported that while the fire was challenging, there were no injuries, despite the dangerous conditions faced by 140 firefighters working on the scene. Collapsing trees, rugged terrain, and limited access to water made the situation even more precarious.

“There aren’t fire hydrants in the middle of a forest,” Tucker explained. “We had to draft water from the Harlem River. These are very treacherous conditions for our firefighters.”

Between October 29 and November 12, the New York Fire Department responded to 229 brush fires, setting a new record for any two-week period. This total does not include the blaze in Inwood Hill Park. Fires have spread across all five boroughs, with significant blazes also reported in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and the Bronx’s Highbridge Park.

“Remarkably dry conditions in October and November have resulted in a historic number of brush fires,” Tucker said. “We urge the public to stay vigilant and avoid any actions that could ignite a fire.”

Drought Drives Wildfires Across the Region

The increasing number of fires is largely attributed to the ongoing drought that has gripped the northeastern U.S. and parts of New England. Red flag warnings have been issued in several states due to dangerously dry conditions. In New York, a statewide burn ban remains in effect until the end of the month, prohibiting outdoor fires for things like brush clearing, debris disposal, and recreational fires.

October’s rainfall in Central Park was a mere 0.01 inches, compared to the usual 3.9 inches. New York City’s water supply is also under pressure, and Mayor Eric Adams has urged residents to conserve water by shortening showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and fixing leaks.

While some rain is expected in the coming days, meteorologists say it will take a significant amount of rainfall to fully address the region’s fire risk.

High-Pressure System Contributes to Unrelenting Dryness

An unusual high-pressure system has been sitting over the Northeast for several weeks, blocking storms from reaching the region. Adam Douty, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, explained that this system has trapped dry air and prevented weaker storm fronts from bringing relief. While the current dry conditions are not directly linked to climate change, experts believe they are consistent with patterns of increased extreme weather events associated with global warming.

David Robinson, the state climatologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, cautioned that while it is difficult to directly attribute the fires to climate change, the extreme conditions fueling them are certainly influenced by broader climate trends.

Rising Number of Brush Fires in NYC Parks

Though brush fires in New York City parks are not entirely new, the frequency and severity of these fires have increased significantly in recent years. From 2020 to August 2024, the Fire Department of New York responded to more than 400 fires in city parks, with nearly half of them classified as brush fires.

Joseph Ten Eyck, coordinator of wildfire urban-interface programs for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), pointed out that the rise in urban brush fires is part of a broader trend seen across the U.S. and Canada, not just in wildfire-prone areas like California. He noted that fires in city parks require specialized skills, including rescue operations and the handling of hazardous materials.

“New York City parks are surrounded by densely populated urban areas, which increases the risk to both parkland and surrounding neighborhoods,” Ten Eyck said. “That’s why we are training firefighters to handle all types of emergencies, not just wildfires.”

Red Flag Warnings and Fire Safety Tips

The National Weather Service issues red flag warnings when conditions—such as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds—create an elevated risk of fire. These warnings are issued when the relative humidity drops below 15% and winds gust over 25 mph for a sustained period. During such conditions, the risk of wildfires is extremely high, and residents are urged to follow local fire safety guidelines.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends extra caution during red flag warnings, including avoiding driving on dry grass, properly extinguishing all outdoor fires, and never leaving fires unattended. They also advise soaking ashes and charcoal with water before disposing of them in a metal container, as these materials can reignite days after being extinguished.

As the drought persists and wildfires continue to threaten the region, firefighters and city officials are urging the public to stay aware and take all necessary precautions to prevent further fires.