Brush fire contained in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
BROOKLYN (WABC) -- Firefighters have contained a wildfire that erupted in Brooklyn's Prospect Park on Friday evening.
Fire crews remained stationed in the park overnight if it re-ignites, officials said at a press conference.
A passerby reported the fire in Prospect Park at about 6:40 p.m., FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said.
The fire grew to about two acres in size in a "very inaccessible" and dense forested area of the park.
Fire Deputy Chief Joseph Duggan said that extremely dry vegetation and heavy winds contributed to the fire.
Over 120 firefighters responded to the fire, according to Chief Duggan.
Four engine companies remained on the scene overnight.
Some hot spots remained late Friday night, the fire commissioner said, but the fire is under control.
The fire was one of several reported brush fires in New York City, NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said.
Another brush fire along the Major Deegan in the Highbridge section of the Bronx late Friday and a Red Flag Warning remained in effect through Saturday.
Multiple wildfires in New Jersey were impacting air quality in the city, he added.
"This is the new normal of extreme weather," Iscol said. "It's all something we should be prepared for."
New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said that the forest in Prospect Park is the oldest standing forest in Brooklyn.
"Our urban forest here is so critical," she said.
Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, Tucker said.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
