A severe drought has been gripping several states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, culminating in a fire that broke out in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Saturday.

The fire spread through park woodlands and scorched approximately two acres in an area known as The Ravine, as reported by the nonprofit Brooklyn Park Alliance. On Friday evening, flames were visible above the dense tree line in the 526-acre park located in Brooklyn.

A passerby alerted authorities about the smoke at around 6:40 p.m., as stated by New York City Fire Department Commissioner Robert Tucker. FDNY officials mentioned that dry vegetation and strong winds exacerbated the two-alarm fire in the hilly, dense brush, making it challenging for firefighters to reach the site.

Fire crews worked through the night to monitor the area after bringing the fire under control approximately three hours after it was reported. The cause of the fire remained unknown as of Saturday morning.

Fortunately, no buildings were harmed in the park, a cherished Brooklyn landmark featuring sculptures, a zoo, a carousel, and numerous sports and recreational facilities, as well as beautiful wetlands and wooded areas. However, the carousel was shut down on Saturday due to poor air quality, and visitors were advised to exercise caution when entering the park.

New York City Experiences Record Dry October

New York City, which typically does not face wildfire threats, is currently under a drought watch following the driest October on record, elevating fire risks, as stated by Mayor Eric Adams on social media.

“It’s 70 degrees in November, and Prospect Park is on fire,” he remarked.

New Jersey Fires Causing Poor Air Quality

In the New York metropolitan region, residents might notice or smell smoke from wildfires occurring near the New Jersey border, according to the city’s Emergency Management on social media.

Multiple fires in New Jersey have threatened numerous structures and ravaged hundreds of acres. NorthJersey.com reported Saturday morning that flames consumed fall leaves, reaching up to a highway in Pompton Lakes, situated northwest of New York City.

On Saturday morning, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality alert highlighting unhealthy particulate matter levels for sensitive groups, including young children and individuals with existing health issues like asthma or heart disease. Officials advised residents to limit vigorous outdoor activities.

Red Flag Warnings Across the East Coast

On Saturday, red flag warnings were in effect for the New York metropolitan area, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Air quality indices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow also indicated unhealthy air quality in Massachusetts, resulting from wildfires north of Boston.

A Special Weather Statement issued for areas from Washington, D.C., to New England warned of increased wildfire risks throughout the region. Residents were urged to be cautious with potential fire starters, including machinery, cigarettes, or matches.

“If fires ignite, the weather and fuel conditions could quickly escalate the situation, making containment difficult,” the statement cautioned.