Press Release

 

FDNY & NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISE NEW YORKERS ABOUT INCREASED RISK OF BRUSH FIRES

 

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for New York City for Monday, May 4

 

May 4, 2015 — The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the NYC Emergency Management Department today advised New Yorkers that warm and dry conditions and gusty winds will increase the risk of dangerous brush fires on Monday, May 4.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for New York City and surrounding areas from 1:00PM to 7:00PM today. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels will create significantly elevated fire growth potential.

The FDNY and NYC Emergency Management encourage New Yorkers to exercise extra caution when using any ignition source outdoors, including gas and charcoal grills. In addition, smokers should never carelessly discard cigarettes. New York City’s outer-borough grasslands are particularly vulnerable to brush fires. Residents of these communities should take steps to make their homes less vulnerable to wildfires. New Yorkers are encouraged to take the following precautions:

LANDSCAPING
  • Keep your lawn, trees, and plants well watered.
  • Mow regularly. Clear weeds, cut grass, and dry vegetation from around your home.
  • Trim dead wood from trees. Remove branches less than 10' from the ground.
  • Use non-flammable plants for landscaping.
  • Do not plant trees and plants too close to structures and under overhangs or eaves.
PROPERTY OWNERS
  • Properly dispose of trash and debris, removing furniture, boxes and other material from your property.
  • Store flammable liquids properly. Refuel garden equipment carefully.
  • Keep the roof clean and clear. Remove leaf clutter from roof and gutters.

To report a fire, dial 911 immediately. Do not put yourself in harm's way trying to extinguish a fire.

For more information on fire safety, call 311 or visit NYC.gov. To receive real-time updates about emergencies and important City services, sign up for Notify NYC – the City's free emergency notification system – at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter at www.twitter.com/notifynyc.

CONTACT:
Frank Gribbon/James Long (FDNY) (718)999-2056
Nancy Silvestri (NYC Emergency Management) (718)422-4888