Following a fire at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and a drought warning issued in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced last Saturday (November 9) that starting immediately, people are prohibited from barbecuing in parks.
In his statement, Mayor Adams expressed that the historically dry weather in New York City has brought about new safety risks, prompting the government to take additional measures to ensure the safety of New Yorkers. The ban on barbecuing in parks, effective immediately, aims to prevent fires in the park bushes.
Prospect Park experienced a second alarm fire, initially noticed by passersby around 6:40 pm last Friday (8th). The New York City Fire Department deployed 100 firefighters to successfully contain the fire, while five counties in New Jersey also dealt with wildfires on the same day.
On the morning of the 9th, due to an air quality index reaching a pollution level of 101 to 150, the New York City government issued an air quality health warning.
In addition to the park barbecue ban, the New York City government currently prohibits fireworks displays, smoking at construction sites, and using lampposts for power generation, all of which are considered illegal activities. It also advises people to take additional safety precautions when welding or conducting other heating construction work.
The government suggests that individuals who are sensitive to changes in air quality can check AirNow online at any time to understand New York City’s air quality. Subscribing to the city’s Emergency Management app “Notify NYC” provides access to the latest updates on emergency situations.