Brush fire in Washington Heights under control, FDNY says
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) -- Firefighters said a brush fire burning in Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon is under control as of Tuesday evening.
The fire along the border of Washington Heights and Harlem was reported in Highbridge Park at West 155th Street & Harlem River Drive around 2:20 p.m.
The section of Highbridge Park in Washington Heights is a woodsy, hilly oasis. But what makes it a neighborhood treasure, also made it extremely difficult for firefighters to get water on the scene.
FDNY officials said 10-15 acres of brush was burning in an extremely dense and hilly section of the park with minimal water resources.
138 fire and medics responded to the scene.
Firefighters dragged in hoses all the way from Edgecombe Ave as the scene went to 3 alarms.
No injuries have been reported, and no structures were damaged.
The brush fire task force will work overnight to determine the cause of the fire and monitor hotspots.
Officials said fire engineers will monitor the area to make sure the flames do not rekindle.
The fire comes as New York City is officially under a drought warning as dry conditions across the Tri-State persist.
Officials are reminding New Yorkers amid the drought warning, barbecuing, and grilling and any open flame and smoking are prohibited in NYC parks.
Firefighters said if you see any unauthorized flames call 911 and report the flame so firefighters can stay ahead of a possible fire.
A drought watch was issued earlier this month and now New Yorkers are being asked to limit their water usage.
The upgraded drought warning status marks the first time in 22 years that New York City officials have made the designation.
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