FDNY launches first brush fire task force amid record-dry months
The city fire department has launched its first-ever Brush Fire Task Force to address a surge in brush fires fueled by historically dry conditions across the five boroughs.
The task force, which will include fire marshals, fire protection inspectors and tactical drone units, will focus on rapid responses to brush fires, conduct investigations to determine their causes and use drones for real-time situational awareness, FDNY officials said on Sunday.
"Due to a significant lack of rainfall, the threat of fast-spreading brush fires fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions have resulted in an historic increase of brush fires throughout New York City," FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said in a statement.
Between Nov. 1 and Nov. 14, the FDNY responded to 271 brush fires citywide — a record for a two-week period, officials said. This is a sharp increase compared to the 200 brush fires the city has typically seen for the entire month of October over the past three years.
"By creating this task force, we are taking real action to prevent brush fires from occurring, putting protocols in place to keep our members safe while they are in the field, and working to identify the causes of these fires after they happen to keep New Yorkers safe in the future," Tucker said.
The task force's efforts are divided into pre-fire, active fire and post-fire phases. In advance of fires, members will use drones to survey at-risk areas and gather data on wind patterns and topography for planning. During fires, drones will provide firefighters with real-time information to map fire spread and identify hot spots. Afterward, the task force will investigate burn areas to determine the cause and origin, and evaluate damage using aerial imagery.
The FDNY emphasized fire safety tips, urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes and clear brush and debris near homes.
The announcement follows the death of 18-year-old state parks and recreation aide Dariel Vesquez, who died on Nov. 11 while creating a fire line to contain the Jennings Creek wildfire in Sterling Forest in Greenwood Lake, N.Y.
Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags on state buildings to be flown at half-staff starting on Monday, Nov. 18, to honor Vasquez.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vasquez family as they mourn the sudden and tragic loss of Dariel," Hochul said. "Dariel was only 18 years old and had a truly bright future ahead of him that has now been unfairly taken away. I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers and his bravery on the front lines."
