A large brush fire broke out this Friday evening, November 8, mobilizing more than 100 firefighters, in a park in southern New York, affected by a severe drought, local authorities said this Saturday. One firefighter was slightly injured and taken to a nearby hospital. The fire, which broke out in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park neighborhood, is considered to be under control.

The fire, which caused no immediate material damage, engulfed an area “about the size of two soccer pitches”.said the New York Fire Department. The immediate cause of the fire is not yet known, “current conditions are perfect for brush fires, with extremely dry vegetation and strong gusty winds.”authorities confirmed at a press briefing.

Residents asked to leave the area

City mayor Eric Adams issued a warning on X: “After the driest October on record, New York City is on drought alert, increasing the risk of wildfires.”. Authorities have asked residents to stay away from the area and keep their windows closed.

Hundreds of brushfires have broken out in east coast states such as New Jersey and Connecticut in recent weeks. The drought is expected to continue until the end of the year in the region, which is currently experiencing its second longest rain-free period in history, according to local media.