NYC has halted the issuance of pyrotechnics and open flame licenses in an effort to strengthen fire prevention operations in the face of an ongoing drought warning and increased fire danger. According to the official website of the City of New York, Mayor Eric Adams ordered the immediate halt in an effort to stop a further increase in brush and forest fires. The decision follows a string of destructive fires and coincides with water conservation measures as drought conditions continue.
The circumstances, brought on by a protracted lack of rainfall, have forced the city’s agencies to take preventative action. “With the historic level of brush fires we ve seen, and the continued rainfall shortage and drought conditions, we re stepping up our efforts even further,” Mayor Adams told the City of New York. FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker is advising New Yorkers to exercise caution as new licenses are suspended with immediate effect and several previously issued permits for pyrotechnics and open flames are being reviewed.
The cancellation of current permits for open-flame activities by NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue has also had an effect on parks. Given that the city has already seen over 300 brush fires in November, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi stressed the importance of community involvement in fire prevention during the continuing crisis. As Thanksgiving draws near, New Yorkers have been advised to refrain from fire-starting activities, such as deep-frying turkeys.
Agencies throughout the city are putting forth a lot of effort to reduce hazards and coordinate response activities due to the increased risk of brush fires. Zach Iscol, the emergency management commissioner for New York City, stressed that halting permits is essential to lowering the risk of fire that the dry weather has exacerbated. “As NYCEM and our sister agencies work tirelessly to mitigate risks, coordinate efforts, and respond effectively to any incidents, we’re asking all New Yorkers to do their part and be extra vigilant: report any signs of smoke or fire to 911 immediately,” Iscol said in a statement obtained by NYC government officials. For the most recent information, residents are also urged to prepare emergency go-bags and sign up for Notify NYC.
New York City has been effective in cutting water use in the past, with current levels down about 35% from peak demand in 1979, before the recent spike in fires. As DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala urges people to save water and abstain from fire-igniting activities, efforts are still on. According to the City’s statement, Mayor Adams is urging New Yorkers to conserve water by mentioning easy ways to do so, such as repairing leaks and turning off the faucets when not in use.
Local officials are also emphasizing how serious the issue is; Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar has linked the water deficit to the effects of climate change, while Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has called recent fires in Inwood Hill Park a wake-up call. In order to protect against future disasters, citywide awareness and preventive steps are essential as New York experiences one of its driest periods and more states experience drought conditions.
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