USA Record fires in New York due to prolonged drought

The ongoing drought in New York and on the US East Coast has led to an unprecedented number of fires. More than ten million people are affected, while firefighters are facing a record number of operations.

The prolonged drought has led to an unprecedented number of fires in New York City. According to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), 229 brush fires have been recorded since October 29 - a record for a two-week period in the city's history. This exceptional drought is not only affecting New York, but also the neighboring states of New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut, where numerous fires have also broken out.

According to the US authorities, more than ten million people are affected by the drought on the east coast. The parched soil, bushes and wood in public parks are particularly susceptible to fires. In response, New York Mayor Eric Adams has banned public barbecues to minimize the risk of further fires.

Fires in parks and the impact on infrastructure

At the weekend, a major fire in Prospect Park, a popular recreational area in Brooklyn, caused a stir. The smell of burning was perceptible in large parts of the city for hours, but the fire department was quickly able to bring the fire under control. Tragically, another fire in the city resulted in a fatal accident when a Parks Services employee was struck by a tree.

The drought has also affected rail services. A line from New York to the university town of New Haven in Connecticut had to be temporarily closed as a fire raged near the tracks in the Bronx. The weather forecast for the coming days promises little improvement: cool but mainly sunny conditions with little rain are forecast for New York and the surrounding area.

SDA