Severe Air Quality Alert Issued for New York as Brush Fires Break Out Across the Northeast

Severe Air Quality Alert Issued for New York as Brush Fires Break Out Across the Northeast

New York City officials issued a serious air quality alert on Saturday due to multiple brush fires in the northeastern United States, including one that ignited in a Brooklyn park on Friday night.

The city's Office of Emergency Management reported that some air quality monitors recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 201, indicating "very unhealthy" conditions. Under such levels, health risks are elevated for everyone, as noted by the federal AirNow resource. Officials advised limiting outdoor activities and using high-quality masks to reduce exposure.

New York City, Long Island, and nearby counties in eastern New Jersey were placed under red flag warnings on Saturday due to heightened brush fire risks from strong winds and very dry conditions. Mayor Eric Adams had already issued a citywide drought watch last week, noting that New York is experiencing its second-longest dry streak since 1869.

Several fires were active across New Jersey, but one erupted right in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Friday night. Firefighters worked for nearly three hours to contain the blaze, which burned approximately two acres—equivalent to two football fields—according to the FDNY. "This is the new normal of extreme weather," stated Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol, urging New Yorkers to prepare for future incidents.

In upstate New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed additional resources to combat the Whitehouse Fire in Ulster and Sullivan counties, which has affected between 300 and 400 acres. "The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority," she said, advising residents in impacted areas to stay vigilant and monitor air quality closely.

Following the Brooklyn fire, Mayor Adams announced a ban on grilling in city parks. A city press release noted that there have been 120 brush fires over the past 10 days, prompting Adams to ask residents to conserve water, avoid using fireworks, and clear excess leaves and brush from their properties.

In New Jersey, forest firefighters continued to battle a wildfire in Passaic County that had spread over 150 acres by Saturday afternoon. Mayor Mike Serra of Pompton Lakes reported the fire spread quickly due to high winds. Bill Donnelly, Chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, stated that the fire was 50% contained but continued to burn deep underground, requiring extensive water and labor to fully extinguish.

The East Coast's dry conditions have contributed to fires in multiple areas, including Reading, Pennsylvania, underscoring the region's increasing vulnerability to fire hazards.