Gas cans discovered at golf course amid series of brushfires
Assistant general manager Michael Nezri said the gas cans were an alarming discovery.
More Stories
Management at the Marine Park Golf Course are calling for action after several gas cans were found at the recreational area near brushfires and near the property's fence.
On Wednesday, the FDNY was at the golf course putting out a brushfire by the 18th hole.
"Unfortunately, with the many weeks of no rain, this has become a common occurrence in this area," said Battalion 33 Chief Brian Gomoka.
It is just one of more 30 brushfires at the golf course over the past few weeks, according to the golf course management.
Assistant general manager Michael Nezri said the gas cans were an alarming discovery.
"When we go out to respond to them, there have been gas cans are being left behind as people are running away," he said.
Nezri also said there are unhoused people camping along the trails behind the golf course and he believes some of the fires may be attributed to them as they make fires to keep warm and cook food.
Assembly member Jamie Williams, who represents the 58th Assembly District, said she has been working closely with the FDNY and NYPD to find solutions to the issue.
She said the brushfires are wasting precious resources because they require dozens of fire fighters to respond, and they pose a danger as the region recently saw a firefighter die fighting a brushfire.
"It's really scary to see that idle hands can be doing something like this," she said.
Fire marshals are investigating Wednesday's brushfire and did not say if arson is suspected in this or any of the recent brushfires.
