A spate of wildfires in New York City, fueled by a historic drought, has led to a record number of brush fires in the area. The latest wildfire in Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan’s largest old-growth forest, posed challenges for firefighters due to rugged terrain and limited water availability. The dry conditions have also led to fires in other boroughs like Brooklyn and the Bronx.
The ongoing drought in the northeastern U.S. has resulted in red flag warnings and a statewide burn ban in New York, prohibiting outdoor fires and activities like camp fires. Mayor Eric Adams has urged residents to conserve water due to shortages caused by the drought. The region has seen significantly less rain than usual, with only 0.01 inches in October and 1.5 inches in September.
Meteorologists attribute the prolonged dry conditions to an unprecedented high pressure system that has prevented storms from bringing much-needed rain. While rain is forecasted in some areas, more significant precipitation is needed to combat the wildfires. The extreme conditions have strong connections to the effects of climate change, according to experts.
During red flag warnings, residents are advised to follow local fire department guidance and take precautions to prevent fires, like properly extinguishing outdoor fires and reporting unattended fires. The International Association of Fire Chiefs emphasizes the importance of maintaining a heightened awareness of activities that can generate sparks or flames during these high-risk conditions.
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