State of New York forms special task force for wildfires as numbers reach historic levels

After an unprecedented surge in brush fires across New York City, on Sunday November 18 the FDNY announced the establishment of its first-ever Brush Fire Task Force. 

Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker stated that the task force will include fire marshals, fire inspectors, and tactical drone units to address the record-breaking rise in brush fires throughout the city’s five boroughs.

The initiative aims to ensure swift and effective responses to brush fires, conduct thorough investigations to determine their causes and origins, and improve data sharing and prevention strategies, according to the FDNY.

“With historically low rainfall, the risk of rapidly spreading brush fires driven by dry vegetation and windy conditions has reached critical levels in New York City,” said Commissioner Tucker. 

“This task force represents a proactive step toward preventing brush fires, protecting our members in the field, and identifying fire causes to safeguard New Yorkers. I also encourage residents to follow our safety guidelines to help reduce the likelihood of fires.”

271 brush fires in in less than two weeks

The initiative comes in response to a surge in brush fires fuelled by historic dryness during October and November. Between Nov. 1 and 14, the FDNY responded to 271 brush fires citywide—the highest number ever recorded in a two-week span. For context, over the past three years, the FDNY averaged just 200 brush fires during the entire month of October.

The task force will operate across three primary areas: pre-fire operations, ongoing fire response, and post-fire activities, the FDNY stated.

• Pre-fire operations will include risk assessments, data collection, and public education efforts.
• Ongoing operations will focus on tactical response and investigative support.
• Post-fire activities will involve determining fire origins and causes, conducting inspections, assessing damages, and facilitating interagency collaboration.

To enhance safety and prevention, the task force will improve internal communication and external coordination among agencies. After every brush fire, a comprehensive after-action review and performance evaluation will be conducted to refine response strategies and improve effectiveness.

The FDNY’s announcement highlights the urgency of addressing this growing threat and underscores its commitment to protecting both first responders and the public from the dangers of brush fires.

Photo Credit: Public Domain Photo. Photo by Bob MacMillan, FEMA. Firefighters from Oklahoma, North Carolina, Virginia and the US Fish & Wildllife Department perform a controlled burnout operation to contain a fire that eventually burned 350 acres in 2006.