AGENCY TESTIMONY
Challenges faced in combating brush fires in NYC parks
0:15:56
ยท
41 sec
Chief Esposito outlines the various challenges faced by the FDNY in combating brush fires in New York City parks. These challenges include environmental conditions, terrain difficulties, and resource limitations.
- Severe extended drought created conditions where dry vegetation ignited easily
- Persistent winds made fires challenging to suppress
- Many fires occurred in isolated locations, requiring long-distance transport of equipment
- Firefighters operated in treacherous terrain with hills and dense forests
- Limited access to water due to lack of fire hydrants in some areas
John Esposito
0:15:56
The bulk of the brush fires last fall took place during a severe extended drought.
0:16:01
A significant lack of rainfall created conditions in which dry vegetation ignited easier than usual and persistent winds rendered the fires challenging to suppress.
0:16:13
Many of the fires took place in isolated locations requiring firefighters to transport hoses and equipment long distances into remote areas.
0:16:23
They were often operating in treacherous terrain dealing with hills and dense forest.
0:16:28
Access to water was sometimes an issues access to water was sometimes an issue given a lack of fire hydrants in some areas.