Brush fire erupts in Van Cortlandt Park, city under air quality alert
The FDNY said the blaze started shortly after 3 p.m. and spanned five acres.
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An air quality advisory was extended through Sunday for New York City following a number of brush fires in the region.
The latest fire happened Saturday afternoon when dozens of firefighters and EMS personnel responded to Van Courtlandt Park.
The FDNY said the blaze started shortly after 3 p.m. and spanned five acres.
“We were sitting watching a soccer game, and we could smell it,” said Pat Norcross, who was visiting the Bronx on Saturday. “Actually, the field itself was really, really dusty. You can feel it.”
Officials say New Yorkers are experiencing the worst air quality and smoke outbreak since June of 2023.
“The problem with the wildfires and the brushfires is they are most spontaneous,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “They’re more dependent upon the winds.”
Iscol said New Yorkers should not grill outdoors, not use fireworks and make sure cigarette buds are out completely.
“At these levels that we’re seeing, with the moderate-to-unhealthy for sensitive groups, I think the most important thing is to monitor how you feel,” Iscol said.
According to New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, people should limit outdoor activities, monitor symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, and wear masks.
“I love being outside, so if I need to wear a mask, I’ll do it,” said Tamara Castillo, of Spuyten Duyvil, who took precautions on Saturday.
