Firefighters managed to contain a large brush fire in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Friday night, officials with the New York City Fire Department said.
Four engine companies will remain on the scene overnight to make sure the fire remains contained and does not re-ignite. Some hot spots remain, officials said at a press conference.
A passerby reported the fire in Prospect Park at about 6:40 p.m., Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said.
The fire grew to about two acres in size and is located in a “very inaccessible” and dense forested area of the park. Extremely dry vegetation and heavy winds contributed to the fire, Fire Deputy Chief Joseph Duggan said
Drone technology was being utilized to identify hot spots and specialized brush fire units, the FDNY said on X.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for New York City on Thursday, through Friday evening due to “critical fire weather conditions are expected due to strong winds and dry conditions.”
Multiple wildfires were reported Friday in neighboring New Jersey amid windy, dry conditions.
New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said that the forest in Prospect Park is the oldest standing forest in Brooklyn. “Our urban forest here is so critical,” she said.