FDNY Forms Task Force to Combat Rising NYC Brush Fires

Overview

• The FDNY has launched its first-ever Brush Fire Task Force in response to a historic increase in brush fires across New York City.
• From November 1 to November 14, the FDNY responded to 271 brush fires, marking the highest number in a two-week period in the city's history.
• The task force includes fire marshals, inspectors, and drone units, focusing on rapid response, fire cause investigations, and real-time data collection during fires.
• Drones will be used to survey at-risk areas, map fire spread, and assess damage, providing crucial information to firefighters.
• The initiative follows the tragic death of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez and ongoing efforts to contain the Jennings Creek wildfire, which has burned over 5,000 acres.