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Amid historic drought, FDNY establishes brush fire task force

BY DUNCAN FREEMAN
Posted 11/22/24

Following a two-week period in which the FDNY responded to 271 brush fires in the city’s parks and nature areas, the department formed a brush fire task force of fire marshals, fire inspectors, and tactical drone units in order to improve responses to brush fires and ensuing investigations. 

“Due to a significant lack of rainfall, the threat of fast-spreading brush fires fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions have resulted in an historic increase of brush fires throughout New York City,” FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said. “By creating this task force, we are taking real action to prevent brush fires from occurring, putting protocols in place to keep our members safe while they are in the field, and working to identify the causes of these fires after they happen to keep New Yorkers safe in the future. I also want to urge New Yorkers to follow our important safety tips and help us reduce the chances of a brush fire occurring.” 

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