FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announces the Department's first-ever Brush Fire Task Force

November 19, 2024

In response to the growing number of brush fires across New York City and the lack of rainfall, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker has announced the creation of the Department's first-ever Brush Fire Task Force, ensuring a rapid and effective response to brush fires throughout all five boroughs.

The task force includes fire marshals, fire protection inspectors and tactical drone units. The group will conduct comprehensive investigations of all brush fires to better determine cause and origin.

The creation of the task force comes on the heels of a historically dry period throughout October and so far in November.

"Due to a significant lack of rainfall, the threat of fast-spreading brush fires fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions have resulted in a historic increase of brush fires throughout New York City," Fire Commissioner 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."

Throughout October and so far through November, the FDNY has responded to and extinguished over 300 brush fires.

On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams elevated the citywide drought watch to a drought warning, ordered city agencies to implement water-saving measures and urged New Yorkers to continue conserving water. A draught warning was last issued in 2002.

"The FDNY needs water to fight fires, so thank you to the Mayor for his leadership on this," Fire Commissioner Tucker said.