Fire Threats Loom at Inwood Hill Park Following Brush Fire Devastation

Firefighters fought flare-ups on Friday in Inwood Hill Park. This followed a brush fire that burned four acres of land. The city faces a risk of more fires.

Key Points:

• A red flag warning will be in effect Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The warning signals dry conditions that are favorable for fire outbreaks.
• Parks Committee Chair Councilmember Shekar Krishnan urges increased funding for the Parks Department. The department’s budget was cut by $55 million for the next year.

Resident Julia Barclay-Morton expressed her sadness, stating that the park is a sacred place. Inwood Hill Park has centuries-old trees and is home to Manhattan’s last natural forest and salt marsh.

The park is one of over 230 brush fire locations in the city within two weeks. Resident Bernadette O’Donnell described the ongoing fires as distressing and a worrisome reality for New Yorkers.

Councilmember Krishnan emphasized the need to focus on prevention rather than only reacting to fires. He noted that the Parks Department must strengthen and protect parks but requires funds and resources to do so.

The cause of the fire at Inwood Hill Park is still under investigation.