Press Releases

October Was New York City’s Driest Month in Recorded History — City Has Seen 120 Brush Fires in Past 10 Days

Last Week, Mayor Declared Drought Watch — First of Three Levels of Water Conservation Declarations Possible by City

Following a two-alarm forest fire in Prospect Park last night and continued wildfires in New Jersey today, New York City Mayor Eric Adams took additional measures to mitigate increased fire risk amidst a historic streak of dry weather in New York City and in the counties upstate that host New York City’s water reservoirs. Effective today, grilling will be banned in New York City parks while the city remains in drought conditions, while smoking and other sources of open flame remain illegal throughout the parks system.

“As New York City’s historic streak of dry weather creates new safety risks, today, we are taking additional measures to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Adams. “Effective immediately, we are prohibiting grilling in our parks, and we need all New Yorkers to take commonsense steps to prevent brush fires. Getting through this drought will take all of us working together, and every drop counts, so let’s keep doing our part to save as much water as we can.”
Mayor Adams also issued additional reminders to New Yorkers of key steps to help prevent fires amidst dry conditions:

• Fireworks remain illegal across New York City.
• Take extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking other hot construction activities, particularly when near dry grass or leaves.
• Smoking remains illegal on construction sites across the five boroughs. Additional information on construction site fire safety is available online.
• Tapping streetlights for electricity (for things like holiday decorations) remains illegal, as it poses a large fire risk.
• As fallen and bundled leaves can be a fire accelerant, New Yorkers should continue to set out yard waste on their recycling day for New York City Department of Sanitation pickup and call 311 to have the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clear clogged catch basins.
• New Yorkers should remove litter and any excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks abutting their residences and businesses.
• New Yorkers sensitive to changes in air quality should continue to take appropriate precautions and check AirNow’s website for information on city air quality.
• All New Yorkers should subscribe to Notify NYC for up-to-date information.

“As drought conditions persist across our region, we call on all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and take essential precautions to safeguard our communities,” said Chief of Staff and New York City Extreme Weather Coordinator Camille Joseph Varlack. “Our administration is working tirelessly to monitor the evolving situation, issue updated guidance, and implement measures to protect New Yorkers during this prolonged dry period.”

“This fall, New York City is officially a dry town. Last night’s fire in Brooklyn’s backyard, Prospect Park, is a stark reminder of the dangers of this drought,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “We are urging New Yorkers to do their part: do not litter, do not smoke or grill in parks, call 311 if you see open fire hydrants or illegally tapped streetlights, and put dry leaves in your curbside composting pick up. Continue to conserve water as we are still in a drought watch. All of us together can help prevent dangerous fires and save water.”

“We’re asking all New Yorkers to be especially careful with any activities that might lead to a fire,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker. “A small mistake can cause serious damage. Please be cautious, be vigilant, and help protect our parks and communities.”

“New York City has seen historic numbers of brush fires due to the unusually dry season we are having,” said Fire Department of the City of New York Commissioner Robert Tucker. “We urge all residents to avoid outdoor burning, be mindful of smoking and properly dispose of cigarette butts and matches, and to stay on designated trails in parks. Additional precautions should be taken when conducting activities such as welding near dry grass and weeds. We all need to do our part to conserve water. And, as always, if you see a fire or smoke, report it immediately by calling 911.”

“Our city is currently experiencing a combination of environmental concerns that require everyone’s attention and cooperation,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Wildfire smoke from New Jersey is impacting our air quality. Dry conditions and high winds have elevated the risk of fire within the city, and a drought watch is in effect because of lower-than-normal water reservoir levels. This administration is responding actively and prepared to deploy any resources needed. Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by dialing 911; conserve water and follow the city’s guidelines; check in on your neighbors, particularly those who may be vulnerable; and, of course, subscribe to Notify NYC for emergency alerts. We all have a part to play in keeping our city safe.”

“This fall’s historic drought and unseasonably warm temperatures are showing us risks of climate change that New Yorkers are not used to seeing, but that we’re well-prepared and well-equipped to confront,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Whether it’s helping agencies and individuals conserve water, improving our leak detection efforts, or helping to fight upstate wildfires that pose a threat to our water supply, DEP is laser-focused on managing this drought on multiple fronts. All New Yorkers can help; the added pressure on our water supply introduced by wildfires makes it even more critical that every New Yorker takes concrete steps to reduce their water consumption and help stop preventable fires.”

“Protecting New Yorkers — along with our vital natural areas and greenspaces — is of utmost importance, which is why the city is taking steps to reduce the chance of brush fires during this period of severe dry conditions,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “During this drought watch, barbecuing in public parks will be prohibited, and we remind everyone that smoking or open flames are never permitted in our parks and gardens. We encourage all New Yorkers to do their part to prevent fires.”

“Construction safety is paramount on all of our construction jobs, and we remain especially vigilant in maintaining fire safety in light of the city's drought watch,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Our city contractors must use best practices when conducting appropriate ‘hot work,’ and we will continue to closely monitor all related activities.”

“Construction contractors must always implement proper safeguards and housekeeping procedures at all times to help prevent fires from breaking out on their work sites,” said New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo. “Due to the city’s drought watch, and the unseasonably dry weather which has led to multiple brush fires, we are advising construction site managers to be especially vigilant during welding operations and other types of hot work that requires open flames.”

DEP Police and staff from DEP’s Bureau of Water Supply have joined with local and state first responders in fighting wildfires in and near the upstate watershed in recent weeks, pursuant to their responsibility to protect New York City’s sources of water. That includes fighting a 400-acre wildfire burning right now in the New York City watershed in Ulster County, using DEP Police helicopters for rapid and effective response in forested areas, and assisting firefighting efforts in adjacent areas. While these efforts are critical in protecting New York City’s drinking water reservoirs and surrounding lands, they also put further strain on New York City’s water supply, increasing the importance of conservation efforts and efforts to prevent forest fires.

Mayor Adams’ issuance of a drought watch is the first of three levels of water conservation declarations by the city. As conditions continue to evolve, the city may need to declare a drought warning or, subsequently, a drought emergency, which involve escalating requirements to reduce water usage at city agencies and on New Yorkers.
Mayor Adams, today, also reminded all New Yorkers to do their part to conserve water. Some simple tips include:

• Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311. An open hydrant can release more than 1,000 gallons per minute, which wastes 1.4 million gallons of drinking water in a 24-hour cycle.
• Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets are by far the main source of water use in a home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption. Each flush can use 1.6 gallons, with older models using as much as 6 gallons.
• Take shorter showers, saving five to seven gallons a minute. When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.
• Don’t run the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth. Faucets use two to three gallons per minute.
• Fix leaks. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, according to the EPA.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Use short cycles if available. Turn off the water while washing dishes.
• Install water-saving fixtures, including low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as faucet aerators.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean rather than washing them down with a hose.
• For even more tips, visit DEP's Water Savings Tips website.