City officials on Wednesday suspended the issuance of fireworks permits and banned residents from having open flames due to increased fire risk.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Fire Department of the City of New York Commissioner Robert Tucker and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue said additional measures must be taken to prevent brush and forest fires, according to a press release.
Effective immediately, the city is suspending the issuance of permits for fireworks displays or open flames across the entire city. Additionally, NYC Parks is cancelling previously-issued permits for fireworks displays or open flames in city parks and FDNY will review previously-issued permits for those activities in or over city streets or waters on a case-by-case basis.
The city will work with individuals and groups who had those permits if they wish to proceed with their previously-scheduled event using alternatives to fireworks displays or open flames.
“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,” said Adams. “The measures we’re announcing today will help prevent additional fires, protect our natural spaces and our air, and keep New Yorkers safe. But we can’t do this alone — in addition to conserving water, we need New Yorkers to be particularly cautious if you choose to grill, smoke or undertake other activities that involve open flames. This is absolutely not the year to try deep-frying your turkeys.”
The FDNY has responded to more than 300 brush fires already this month, according to Tucker.
"We need the public to remain vigilant and conserve water so that we can continue to effectively extinguish fires when they occur," he said.
Mayor Adams also issued additional reminders to New Yorkers of key steps to help prevent fires amidst dry conditions:
- Grilling is banned in New York City parks throughout the duration of drought conditions.
- Fireworks remain illegal across New York City.
- Take extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking other hot construction activities, particularly when near dry grass or leaves.
- Smoking remains illegal on construction sites across the five boroughs. Additional information on construction site fire safety is available online.
- Outside of construction sites, New Yorkers who choose to smoke should always dispose of cigarette butts and matches properly.
- New Yorkers should stay on designated trails when enjoying city parks, so as to help protect surrounding vegetation and minimize the risk of accidental fires.
- Tapping streetlights for electricity (for things like holiday decorations) remains illegal, as it poses a large fire risk.
- As fallen and bundled leaves can be a fire accelerant, New Yorkers should continue to set out yard waste on their recycling day for New York City Department of Sanitation pickup and call 311 to have DEP clear clogged catch basins.
- New Yorkers should remove litter and any excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks abutting their residences and businesses.
- New Yorkers sensitive to changes in air quality should continue to take appropriate precautions and check AirNow’s website for information on city air quality.
- All New Yorkers should subscribe to Notify NYC for up-to-date information.
