Firefighters battle stubborn wildfires in Queens and Manhattan
MANHATTAN - New York City firefighters are working around the clock to contain multiple wildfires in Manhattan and Queens as dry conditions continue to fuel the flames.
(Video from SkyFOX shows smoking covering nearly all of the borough's Inwood neighborhood and the West Side Highway.)
The FDNY has deployed around 140 firefighters to battle a blaze in Manhattan's Inwood Park. The fire, which broke out around 3 p.m. According to officials, the fire is located on a steep, heavily wooded hill, creating challenging terrain for crews to traverse.
Officials in Manhattan should expect to smell smoke, and residents near the fire were advised to close windows and avoid the area.
The FDNY anticipates crews will remain on-site through the night to ensure the fire is contained.
"The FDNY is utilizing multiple units, including drones, Marine Units, and Brush Fire Units," the FDNY tweeted.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine posted dramatic video of flames surrounding a walking path.
In Queens, Sky Fox captured footage of fire trucks with flashing lights at Alley Pond Park, where another brush fire was reported. While the extent of that fire remains unclear, firefighters are actively working to prevent it from spreading.
High fire danger impacting millions of people across New York and New Jersey is forecast to last through the weekend, as the region remains bone-dry with little to no rain on the horizon.
The lack of rain and extremely dry conditions have contributed to over 229 fires across New York City recently.
In New Jersey firefighters continue to battle the Jennings Creek Fire in West Milford. The fire straddling the New York and New Jersey state lines is 30% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.