(SOURCE: CBS) BROOKLYN, NY — New York City firefighters worked through the night on Friday into Saturday to contain a brush fire in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, which consumed approximately two acres of land. The fire, which was first reported just before 7 p.m. by a passerby, prompted a large-scale response from the FDNY as flames spread rapidly in a dense, hilly area of the park.
According to fire officials, the 911 call came in from a person walking through the park who noticed smoke. By 8 p.m., the fire had escalated to a two-alarm blaze. FDNY Brooklyn Borough Commander Joe Duggan described the location of the fire as “extremely inaccessible,” with thick brush and difficult terrain complicating efforts to control the flames.
It took approximately 120 firefighters several hours to bring the fire under control. However, FDNY crews remained on the scene overnight to monitor the area for any remaining hot spots. Firefighters were particularly cautious due to the windy conditions that could cause small flare-ups.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and FDNY officials said they hoped daylight would provide more clarity on how the blaze started.
No Structures Threatened, No Injuries Reported
FDNY officials confirmed that no civilian structures were threatened by the fire, and there were no reported injuries. Firefighters worked diligently to ensure the fire did not spread further into the park’s residential areas.
“We were extremely lucky by the passerby who saw something but also did something. They notified the FDNY, and it was a quick response,” said Mayor Eric Adams, commending the quick action of the person who alerted authorities.
The fire in Prospect Park comes amid a heightened fire risk across New York City, with several other fires reported in the region over the past few days, including a brush fire near the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. While details about the Bronx fire have not yet been released, firefighters were quickly dispatched to contain it.
Drought Conditions Heighten Fire Risk
New York City remains under a drought watch due to an extended dry period that has left the region vulnerable to wildfires. According to the National Weather Service, Central Park has received less than two inches of rain since September, and October was recorded as the driest month in the city’s history.
A Red Flag Warning was issued on Friday, indicating high fire risk due to the combination of dry conditions and gusty winds. The warning, which alerts the public to the increased potential for wildfires, has been extended through 6 p.m. Saturday.
Fire Prevention Efforts in the Wake of Staten Island Blazes
This recent brush fire follows a series of wildfires on Staten Island in the past two weeks. In response, local leaders, including Borough President Vito Fossella and FDNY officials, are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes from future fires.
“We work with the State Department of Environmental Conservation to allow homeowners who live around an area that may be very sensitive or prone to brush fires to obtain a permit and cut back some of the Phragmites [a type of invasive plant], with the goal to protect their homes and the people who live in those homes,” Fossella said.
The FDNY and emergency management officials continue to urge New Yorkers to be vigilant during this period of heightened fire risk and take extra precautions to prevent the spread of wildfires across the city.
(SOURCE: CBS) NEW JERSEY — Wildfires across New Jersey continued to rage on Friday and Saturday, prompting a statewide smoke advisory and placing intense strain on firefighting resources. From the Pinelands in the central and western parts of the state to suburban New York City, multiple blazes have scorched hundreds of acres and threatened homes, while dry, windy conditions only exacerbated the danger.
One of the largest fires, located near Cannonball Road in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County, was reported just after 2:20 p.m. on Friday. The fire has since burned an estimated 164 acres, with authorities reporting that as of Saturday afternoon, it is 50% contained.
While 55 structures are under threat, no evacuations have been ordered at this time. “I have full confidence that our Forest Service and our local volunteer fire departments will get it under control,” said Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra.
Cannonball Road remains closed at DuPoint Place as firefighters continue their efforts, and the right northbound lane of Interstate 287 has been shut down due to the blaze. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has deployed engines, ground crews, and a helicopter to combat the fire. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.
Fire officials urged the public to exercise caution and avoid any activities that could spark fires. “We ask that the public please use common sense and not discard cigarette butts or any other smoking materials,” said Shawn Judy, assistant forest fire warden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
As of Saturday, a Red Flag Warning remained in effect until 6 p.m. due to weather conditions that are ideal for rapid fire spread — dry, windy, and low humidity.
Statewide Fire Restrictions and Dry Conditions
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has imposed Stage 3 fire restrictions across the state, which bans all outdoor fires except those contained in an elevated stove using propane, natural gas, or electricity. The state has not experienced measurable precipitation in over a month, according to the National Weather Service, creating perfect conditions for wildfires to thrive.
In addition to the Pompton Lakes fire, several other fires have been reported throughout the state:
Other Notable Wildfires
- Palisades Interstate Parkway Wildfire
A smaller fire broke out along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs, Bergen County, on Thursday. The 39-acre blaze is now 40% contained, and while no homes are currently threatened, Henry Hudson Drive remains closed as fire crews remain on scene. - Bethany Run Wildfire (Burlington & Camden Counties)
A wildfire spanning 360 acres has been burning in Burlington and Camden counties, with thick smoke visible from miles away. As of Friday, the fire was 90% contained, and while 104 structures were threatened, no evacuations had been issued. - Pheasant Run Wildfire (Gloucester County)
A 133-acre fire was reported in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Gloucester County. As of Friday evening, it was 75% contained, and there were no immediate threats to structures or roadways. - Shotgun Wildfire (Jackson Township, Ocean County)
The Shotgun Wildfire, which has burned 350 acres in Jackson Township, is now 90% contained. Authorities have charged a 37-year-old man from Brick Township, Richard Shashaty, with arson after police say he ignited the fire by shooting a gun and causing the ammunition to spark. Shashaty is also facing weapons charges and remains in jail awaiting a hearing.
Local residents, like Joann Bertone, who lives near the Jackson fire, described the tense situation. “It was extremely scary,” Bertone said. “I was up all night. It was nerve-wracking.” Many animal and horse owners were forced to scramble to evacuate their animals to safety as the flames advanced.
Air Quality and Smoke Advisory
In addition to the immediate fire threats, smoke from the wildfires has also led to deteriorating air quality across the region. The smoke has reached New York City, where brush fires are also burning. Meteorologist Brittany Bell from Eyewitness News warned that the smoke could impact air quality throughout the Tri-State area, urging residents to take precautions.
As of Saturday afternoon, officials are closely monitoring the situation, with a focus on containment efforts and reducing the risk of further spread.
New Jersey’s firefighting crews, assisted by helicopters, ground teams, and local volunteers, are continuing their tireless efforts to contain the fires. With conditions remaining volatile, residents are urged to stay informed and exercise caution during the ongoing wildfire crisis.
