Brush fires emerged in New York’s Prospect Park and New Jersey on Friday as the Northeast experiences its most severe drought in over 20 years. New York City firefighters, using drones to locate hot spots, managed to control the Brooklyn blaze, which covered two challenging acres in Prospect Park. Meanwhile, a 39-acre fire along New Jersey’s Palisades Parkway was partially contained, contributing to smoke visible in Manhattan.
Mayor Eric Adams highlighted difficulties in containment due to strong winds and dry conditions. Concerned locals, like Tim Novikoff from Park Slope, assessed the situation but felt reassured by the firefighters’ presence. Despite being smaller than the devastating wildfires in California, these events underscore the region’s extreme dryness.
The US Drought Monitor states that 94% of the Northeast is abnormally dry, with 56% in drought, the worst since 2002. The National Weather Service forecasts possible rain for New York, potentially shifting this dry pattern.
Air quality deteriorated Friday, particularly along New Jersey’s Toms River, while wind gusts up to 30 mph from Massachusetts to Virginia increased fire risks. The US Weather Prediction Center indicates upcoming rain may alter the stagnant weather pattern.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/world/fires-flare-in-brooklyn-s-prospect-park-amid-us-east-drought-11731182641015.html
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