A severe drought watch with no rain in sight has gripped the Northeastern U.S., creating “unprecedented” conditions for fire, say experts.
Due to the driest fall on record, hundreds of brushfires have erupted from Virginia to Maine, including one that burned 2 acres in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
Fires disrupted Amtrak service between Boston and New York, and a parks employee died while fighting a brushfire on the border of New York and New Jersey.
High winds, low humidity, and plenty of dry leaves on the ground have created perfect kindling conditions, even in places not normally thought of as at risk for wildfires.
While other parts of the country, including California, are also experiencing wildfires, they tend to be more prepared.
It took 100 firefighters over three hours to subdue the flames, leaving behind 2 acres of scorched earth in Brooklyn’s only natural forest.
The Fire Department of New York said on X that it has responded to 229 brushfires since October 29, the highest amount in a two-week period in New York City history.
“Remarkably dry conditions in October and so far in November have resulted in a historic amount of brush fires over the last two weeks and we need the public to remain vigilant,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker.
Mayor Eric Adams has put New York City under a red flag drought watch, banned grilling in the park, and urged New Yorkers to conserve water.
The FDNY has not yet issued an official cause of the fire.
The day after the fire, onlookers snapped photos of a burned encampment within the site of the fire that included a microwave and grill, according to Slate.
But the city says the weather is to blame: “At the end of the day, what is really causing these fires is the dry conditions,” New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol told the outlet.
If city dwellers are at risk, then those living in more rural areas with more vegetation face an even higher risk.
How can property owners protect themselves and their homes?
Don’t be the one to start the fire
Avoid burning outdoors, including campfires, bonfires, and any other open flame, says the FDNY.
If you must grill, stay away from dry brush and keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby.
And be mindful of smoking and dispose of cigarette butts properly.
Regularly clean your property
“Regularly cleaning your home and removing dust and debris from the house can go a long way in preventing any ember from entering your home and spreading,” says Steve Lockwood, owner of Mountain State Fire Protection, a fire safety inspection and installation company.
“Clean the outside and inside of your windows as well,” adds Lockwood.
“The dirt, dust, and grime that accumulate on your windows during dry seasons can spark and start a fire.”
Use fire-retardant drapes
“I would also recommend removing any flammable drapes from your wall and replacing them with fire-retardant drapes, at least during dry months, fire season,” he says.
“All it takes is one ember to hit something flammable, and a fire will spread quickly.”
Seal gaps to keep a fire out
“You may not be able to do this if you don’t own the unit you live in, but one of the best ways to protect yourself from a fire is to prevent embers from entering your home,” says Lockwood.
“Seal gaps in your windows, walls, and doors with fire-resistant caulk. If you can’t do small fixes to the property, you can close these gaps with fire-resistant sheets.”
Stay informed through your condo or co-op board
With cities like New York City and Boston at risk of wildfire, many apartment dwellers might feel helpless protecting their property.
“The best thing owners can do is to keep everyone informed,” says Jessica Lauren, who specializes in rehabbing fire-damaged residential properties.
“This requires owners (or the board) to educate residents about fire risks. Many people are unaware of the fire risks and need some basic background to assist in minimizing a fire spreading through a building.”
Remove fuel
“Look at the exterior of your building to locate potential fuel and remove it,” says Lauren.
“Certain types of shrubs or trees can encourage the spread of fire. Does your building have flammable wood trim? Remove it. Do residents have storage areas in open garages? Flammables in those bins and lockers are a ready source of fuel for fires.”
“Remove items from decks or patios that can ignite: chair cushions, wicker furniture, flammable rugs, etc,” adds Lauren.
“Roof materials are the biggest fuel for fire. Ask the fire department for recommendations for your building roof to improve the fire resistance. This might involve a treatment, but it can also mean replacing the current materials with something else.”
Have a fire extinguisher on hand
“This one is obvious, but make sure you always have a fire extinguisher on hand in your home,” says Lockwood.
“Check the date of when that extinguisher was last inspected or replaced. They should be replaced every 10 years. You can put all kinds of barriers in place to prevent fires, but if one starts in your home, you need an extinguisher to put it out.”
Decluttering isn’t just for aesthetics
You might have seen those “Hoarders” episodes where the hoarder’s home has sustained fire damage from mountains of old newspapers, magazines, and other paraphernalia coming into contact with a heat source.
Don’t let that be you.
“It’s easy for piles of paper, stacks of boxes, and other combustibles to build up near heat sources, causing a fire hazard,” says building restoration service DKI.
“A floor littered with clothes, toys, and other clutter can block escape routes as well, making evacuation more difficult in an emergency,” adds DKI.
“Also, extension cords strewn across the floor are tripping hazards that can lead to overheated wiring and potential electrical fires. When you keep the floors picked up, you improve fire safety in your home.”