‘Commonsense steps’: NYC bans grilling, adds measures to prevent fires during drought
NEW YORK (PIX11)—Following a two-alarm fire in Brooklyn's Prospect Park and a historic drought watch, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Saturday that additional measures have been implemented to curtail future fires, effective immediately.
"As New York City's historic streak of dry weather creates new safety risks, today, we are taking additional measures to keep New Yorkers safe," said Mayor Adams. "Effective immediately, we are prohibiting grilling in our parks, and we need all New Yorkers to take commonsense steps to prevent brush fires."
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Friday's brush fire was first spotted by a passerby at 6:40 p.m., according to the FDNY. More than 100 firefighters responded and brought the fire under control. Wildfires are also burning in five New Jersey counties .
By Saturday morning, New York State officials issued an air quality health advisory, as the air quality index was expected to reach pollution levels of up to 101 to 150, according to NotifyNYC .
In addition to banning grilling at parks, the city has also issued additional restrictions to help prevent fires amidst dry conditions:
Fireworks continue to remain illegal across New York City
The town is asking extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking other hot construction activities be taken
Smoking continues to remain unlawful on construction sites across the city
Tapping streetlights for electricity continues to remain illegal
New Yorkers should continue to set out yard waste on their recycling day for sanitation to pickup
The city recommends calling 311 to have the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clear clogged catch basins
New Yorkers are encouraged to remove litter and any excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks.
New Yorkers sensitive to changes in air quality should continue to take appropriate precautions and check AirNow's website for information on city air quality
All New Yorkers should subscribe to Notify NYC for up-to-date information
This story comprises reporting from PIX11 News reporter Dominique Jack, Finn Hoogensen and Zhané Caldwell.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here .
