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Firefighters battle the blaze in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park as New York’s unprecedented dry spell continues
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Firefighters battle the blaze in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park as New York’s unprecedented dry spell continues

A wildfire broke out in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Friday evening amid historically dry weather, officials said.

More than 100 firefighters responded to the two-acre fire — which was extinguished shortly before 10 p.m. — in the rolling meadow known as the Nethermead in the middle of the popular green space, the FDNY said.

“We’re still working to put it out,” an FDNY spokesperson said, noting that first responders are still hosing down some hot spots.

The fire broke out on Friday evening. Michelle Paggi/X

“It is a very labor-intensive operation. It’s just this steep terrain, windy conditions. The fire can spread quickly.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Park visitor Pablo Aronson, 21, said he was shocked to see the emergency response to the fire after passing by on his bicycle.

“The smoke is pretty strong,” Aronson said.

“Everyone comes here and hangs out in the meadow. So it’s a bit sad to see the park like this.”

The FDNY received the first call about the fire around 6:40 p.m. The department deployed specialized brush fire units and drones to detect hotspots in the park.

No injuries were reported and no park buildings were damaged, fire officials said, with Mayor Eric Adams crediting an onlooker for quickly reporting the fire.

“We were extremely lucky with the passerby who saw something but also did something,” Adams said Friday evening, adding that officials are working to determine the cause of the fire.

“They notified the FDNY and the response was quick.”

No injuries have been reported. Michelle Paggi/X

Dramatic photos from the park show flames creating an ominous orange glow through the trees.

Smoke can also be seen rising overhead.

The city has experienced bone-dry conditions for weeks.

October saw the second-longest period without rain in Big Apple history, with just 0.81 inches of rain falling compared to an average of about 3.81 inches, officials said.

Last month saw the second longest period without rain in New York history. Michelle Paggi/X

Weather conditions on Friday were favorable for wildfires with high winds and low humidity, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for the five boroughs.

“Any fire that develops will quickly catch on and spread,” the NWS alert said. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

The Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the city, along with Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley, until 6 p.m. Saturday.

In nearby New Jersey, at least four wildfires were burning across the state on Friday, including one along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs.

That fire, which is across the Hudson River from Manhattan, reportedly sent smoke across parts of the city.

With Postal Wires