According to the FDNY, New York City experienced a record 229 brush fires between October 29, 2024, and November 12, 2024, marking the highest two-week total in the city’s history.
The unusually dry conditions in October and early November have raised the risk of brush fires across all five boroughs, prompting the FDNY to issue a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to increase public awareness of safety measures.
The FDNY has attributed the surge in fires to the combination of dry vegetation, low rainfall, and windy weather.
Commissioner Robert S. Tucker emphasized the heightened risk: “Due to a significant lack of rainfall, the threat of fast-spreading brush fires fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions pose a real threat to our members and our city.”
During the two-week period, the FDNY responded to brush fires in each borough, with the Bronx seeing the highest number at 67 incidents, followed by Queens with 56, Brooklyn with 51, Manhattan with 24, and Staten Island with 17.
This marks a substantial increase, as the entire month of October typically averaged around 200 brush fires across the last three years.
The FDNY has responded to these incidents with heightened vigilance, aiming to manage the citywide fire threat under the challenging environmental conditions.
Commissioner Tucker also expressed gratitude for the public’s quick reporting, adding: “We thank all New Yorkers who saw smoke and called 911, and we urge the public to do the same.”
The PSA includes a series of safety tips designed to reduce the risk of accidental fires during the current drought conditions.
New Yorkers are advised to avoid open flames such as campfires and bonfires, as well as grilling in city parks, which is temporarily banned due to fire risk.
Individuals are also reminded to dispose of smoking materials responsibly and to use caution when conducting hot work, such as welding, near dry vegetation.
Additional recommendations include staying on designated trails in parks to avoid damaging vegetation and refraining from the use of fireworks, which remain illegal in New York City.
Commissioner Tucker reiterated the importance of public cooperation: “I want to once again urge New Yorkers to follow these important safety tips to reduce the chances of a brush fire occurring during this extraordinarily dry period.”
The FDNY Foundation, the department’s official nonprofit organization, has supported the PSA program, providing resources for public safety messaging.
This partnership aims to enhance community engagement and awareness regarding fire safety, especially in high-risk periods such as the current drought.
The Foundation’s support has enabled the FDNY to amplify its outreach and deliver timely safety information to residents across New York City.
The FDNY has issued a PSA urging New Yorkers to adopt safety practices in response to an unprecedented two-week period of brush fires in New York City.
From October 29, 2024, to November 12, 2024, the department responded to 229 brush fires, the highest in the city’s history for a similar timeframe.
Dry conditions, coupled with windy weather, have increased fire risks across the city.
The PSA includes tips for preventing accidental fires, such as avoiding open flames, following park rules, and disposing of smoking materials properly.
Supported by the FDNY Foundation, this campaign aims to raise public awareness and ensure that New Yorkers are vigilant about fire prevention during the drought.
