Bronx residents react to brushfire that torched 4 acres of Inwood Hill Park

One resident says brushfires are becoming a new reality.

Julia Burns

Nov 14, 2024, 10:40 PM

Updated 34 min ago

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The FDNY tells News 12 a fire in Inwood Hill Park left 4 acres burned.
One resident says brushfires are becoming a new reality.
“I bought an air filter and I am well versed in opening my windows and cranking it up," they said.
Steva Sowell-Hardcastle, a NYC Park’s Super Steward, says it was heartbreaking to watch, but that there could be a silver lining.
“It was devastating to me, I mean this is my heart. We’re trying to turn this tragedy into a positive thing. Maybe we will see native species regrowing. We can target areas for regrowing,” said Sowell-Hardcastle.
She also says they are looking for ways to navigate this new territory.
“How do we make some of these natural areas a little more fire resistant? That may mean putting in barriers where there’s no plantings and getting out old, dead debris,” said Sowell-Hardcastle.
The city is urging New Yorkers to conserve water and not to light outdoor fires.