Infernos in New York City and the Northeast: FDNY battles relentless brush fires amid historic drought crisis

The FDNY has been waging an intense battle against brush fires in Upper Manhattan, with flames igniting multiple times in the dense greenery of Inwood Hill Park. The initial blaze sparked on Wednesday afternoon, followed by another eruption early Thursday morning at 2 a.m., leaving the park blanketed in smoke that permeated nearby walking paths.

Rugged Terrain Adds to Firefighting Challenges

Firefighters faced extreme difficulty navigating the rugged, elevated terrain of the park, where flames consumed both surface and underground brush. Crews worked tirelessly along the Henry Hudson Parkway and even used the Harlem River to douse flames. Drones provided crucial aerial insights, helping firefighters target hot spots. Despite their efforts, tree collapses during the operation posed life-threatening hazards.

“We had many challenges here, due to the terrain, the elevation, and water access,” said FDNY Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods. “It was an extremely dangerous operation, with multiple tree collapses narrowly missing our members.”

Multiple Fires Spark Across NYC

While the battle raged in Inwood, other areas of New York City faced similar threats. In Queens, a second-alarm fire erupted at Alley Pond Park on Thursday evening, while Washington Heights saw flames break out near 166th Street and Edgecombe Avenue. No injuries were reported, but the collective strain on resources was palpable.

Northeast Drought Exacerbates Fire Risk

These fires are part of a larger pattern of escalating wildfire risks due to severe drought conditions across the Northeast. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of New York, New Jersey, and other northeastern states are experiencing severe drought, with some areas reaching extreme levels. Climatologist Samantha Borisoff highlighted the alarming dryness, noting that October was the driest month on record for several states.

“Since September, the Baltimore-to-Boston corridor has seen a rainfall deficit of 6 to 9 inches,” Borisoff stated. “It will take multiple, slow, soaking storms to make a dent in these conditions.”

Elevated Fire Risks Persist

Low humidity, higher winds, and unseasonably warm temperatures are expected to keep fire risks elevated across the region. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to exercise caution, close windows, and limit outdoor activities as smoke continues to blanket the city.

The Jennings Creek Fire: A Regional Threat

Adding to the crisis is the Jennings Creek Fire, a massive blaze straddling New York and New Jersey, marking the region’s largest wildfire since 2008. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy revealed a 1,300% spike in fire responses this season, with drought indexes reaching unprecedented levels.

As firefighters across the region work to control these fires, the dry conditions show no signs of relenting, leaving the Northeast bracing for continued fire dangers in the days ahead.