A two-alarm brush fire erupted at Alley Pond Park on Wednesday, Nov. 13, highlighting a concerning trend of increasing wildfires across New York City.
The FDNY reported the fire at 6:46 p.m., and firefighters successfully brought it under control by 9:40 p.m. No injuries were reported.
The NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) issued a public alert via X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday evening, advising residents to avoid the area and minimize smoke exposure. “Expect smoke and traffic delays in the area. People nearby should avoid smoke and close windows,” the post read.
On Thursday morning, NYCEM shared another update, announcing a statewide burn ban in effect until Nov. 30 due to heightened wildfire risks. “This burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as campfires and open fires used for cooking,” the statement said.
The Alley Pond Park fire is part of a historic surge in brush fires across the city. According to the FDNY, firefighters have responded to 229 brush fires since Oct. 29—a record for a two-week period in city history. By comparison, the entire month of October in the past three years averaged around 200 brush fires.
The FDNY provided a borough-by-borough breakdown of brush fires between Oct. 29 and Nov. 12: the Bronx led with 67 fires, followed by Queens with 56 fires, Brooklyn with 51, Manhattan with 24, and Staten Island with 17.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker attributed the unprecedented number of fires to unusually dry conditions and a lack of rainfall in October and November. “The threat of fast-spreading brush fires fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions poses a real danger to our members and our city,” Tucker said in a statement, urging residents to remain vigilant and practice fire safety.
In response to the ongoing drought, New York City has banned grilling in parks and is urging residents to exercise caution outdoors. Smokers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes and matches, welders are advised to take extra precautions near dry vegetation, and parkgoers are encouraged to stay on designated trails to minimize fire risks.
Residents are also urged to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911. Commissioner Tucker emphasized the importance of community awareness during this critical time: “By taking these precautions, we can all play a part in preventing potentially devastating fires in our city.”
