New York City is experiencing an alarming wave of brush fires, driven by an ongoing, historic drought sweeping across the northeastern U.S. On Thursday, a thick smoky haze descended on parts of the city, as firefighters battled multiple wildfires that have become more frequent and intense in recent weeks.
One of the largest blazes broke out in Inwood Hill Park, a 200-acre natural area located at the confluence of the Hudson and Harlem Rivers. The fire, which escalated to a three-alarm emergency, quickly spread across one of Manhattan’s last remaining old-growth forests. Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker reported no injuries, but said the situation was extremely dangerous for the 140 firefighters involved, who faced falling trees, rough terrain, and limited water access.
“There aren’t fire hydrants in the middle of a forest,” Tucker said. “We had to draw water from the Harlem River, and the conditions were very treacherous for our teams.”
From October 29 to November 12, the Fire Department of New York responded to 229 brush fires, a new record for any two-week period. This total does not include the Inwood Hill fire. The blazes have affected all five boroughs, with significant fires reported in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and the Bronx’s Highbridge Park as well.
“These dry conditions in October and November have led to an unprecedented number of brush fires,” Tucker added. “We’re urging everyone to remain alert and take care to avoid activities that could ignite a fire.”
Drought Conditions Drive Wildfire Threat
The surge in brush fires can be traced to the ongoing drought, which has impacted much of the Northeast and parts of New England. Red flag warnings, indicating extreme fire danger, have been issued in several states due to the dry conditions. In New York, a statewide burn ban is in effect until the end of the month, preventing any outdoor fires, including those for brush clearing, debris burning, or recreational purposes like campfires.
Central Park received only 0.01 inches of rain in October—well below the typical 3.9 inches. With water supply levels shrinking, Mayor Eric Adams has urged residents to conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and repairing leaks in their homes.
While some rain is expected in the coming days, meteorologists caution that much more is needed to reduce the fire risk and address the drought’s ongoing effects.
High-Pressure System Exacerbates Dry Conditions
The region’s prolonged dry spell is being driven by an unusual high-pressure system that has persisted for several weeks. According to Adam Douty, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, this system has blocked incoming storm fronts and trapped dry air over the region, preventing any significant rainfall. While these conditions are not directly linked to climate change, experts believe they are indicative of the broader trend toward extreme weather patterns associated with global warming.
David Robinson, a climatologist at Rutgers University, said that while it’s difficult to attribute the fires directly to climate change, the extreme conditions fueling the fires are consistent with what scientists predict will become more common as a result of climate change.
Brush Fires Increasing in NYC Parks
While brush fires in New York City’s parks are not new, the frequency and severity of these incidents have increased in recent years, especially during this exceptionally dry fall. Since 2020, the Fire Department of New York has responded to more than 400 fires in city parks, nearly half of which have been categorized as brush fires.
Joseph Ten Eyck, coordinator of wildfire urban-interface programs for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), emphasized that fires in urban parks require specialized training. Many of these fires occur in areas surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods, increasing the risk to both the natural environment and nearby residents.
“New York City parks are often bordered by residential areas, which makes fires even more dangerous,” Ten Eyck said. “We are training firefighters to be prepared for all types of emergencies, not just wildfires.”
What to Know About Red Flag Warnings
Red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions—such as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds—create an elevated risk of wildfires. A red flag warning is issued when humidity levels fall below 15%, and wind gusts reach 25 mph or more for an extended period.
During these warnings, fire safety experts advise extra caution. It’s important to avoid driving on dry grass, ensure all outdoor fires are fully extinguished, and never leave fires unattended. Experts also recommend soaking ashes and charcoal in water before disposing of them in a metal container, as embers can sometimes reignite days later.
As New York City continues to face extreme dry conditions, officials and firefighters are urging residents to stay vigilant, follow fire safety guidelines, and report any suspicious activities that could lead to fires. With wildfires posing an increasing threat across the region, public awareness and preparedness are more critical than ever.
