New York State Imposes Burn Ban; Brush Fire in Manhattan; Arrest in Medford Fire

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide burn ban is in effect until November 30 due to an increased fire risk as the state continues to experience drought conditions and a record number of outdoor fires.

Also, Suffolk County police reported the arrest of a Medford volunteer firefighter who police accused of intentionally setting a brush fire in a wooded area of Medford on Tuesday.

In addition, a brush fire ignited on Wednesday afternoon in Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan. Robert S. Tucker, commissioner of the New York Fire Department (FDNY), said the conditions were “treacherous” for first responders who worked for four hours to contain the fire. He said they would stay on the site all night and into the morning to address hot spots. He reported there were no injuries.

FDNY has also been responding to other fires the past few weeks in wooded areas of the city. FDNY says it has responded to 229 brush fires since October 29, the highest number in a two-week period in city history.

Amtrak Service Disrupted After Fire Near Tracks in New York City

Amtrak service in parts of the Northeast was delayed Tuesday after a brush fire broke out near a train route in the city. Service has been restored.

“As we experience drought conditions and an increased fire risk across the state, now is not the right time to be burning outdoors, and I urge everyone to heed our warnings as we continue to take the necessary precautions to keep all New Yorkers safe,” the governor said in announcing the statewide ban against burning outdoors.

Wildfires Update

Hochul provided an update on wildfires burning across the state:

• The main fire—the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire, which is in both New York and New Jersey — encompasses 5,000 acres and is 10% contained in both states. A New York State Parks employee lost his life responding to this fire.
• A fire in the town of Denning in Ulster County is 95% contained within 630 acres.
• Some 277 emergency responders have included firefighters from 44 companies with 230 personnel; six law enforcement agencies with 28 staff members and four emergency medical crews with 19 personnel. Four helicopters have also been deployed.
• There have been no mandatory evacuations, however, as a precaution, 12 homes in the town of Warwick, Orange County voluntarily evacuated.