Here’s how to protect your property as ‘unprecedented’ drought hits the Northeast

A severe drought without rain in sight has gripped the US Northeast, creating “unprecedented” fire conditions, experts say.

Due to the driest fall on record, hundreds of fires have broken out from Virginia to Maine, including one that burned 2 acres in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

The fires disrupted Amtrak service between Boston and New York, and a parks employee died while fighting a blaze on the New York-New Jersey border.

Strong winds, low humidity and lots of dry leaves on the ground have created perfect ignition conditions, even in places not normally considered fire-prone.

While other parts of the country, including California, are also experiencing wildfires, they tend to be more prepared.

It took 100 firefighters over three hours to beat the flames, leaving behind 2 acres of scorched land in Brooklyn’s only natural forest.

of New York Fire Department said at X that it has responded to 229 fires since Oct. 29, the most in a two-week period in New York City history.

“Extremely dry conditions in October and so far into November have resulted in a historic amount of brush fires over the past two weeks, and we need the public to remain vigilant,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker.

Mayor Eric Adams has put New York City under a drought red flagbanned barbecuing in the park and urged New Yorkers to conserve water.

The FDNY has not yet released an official cause of the fire.

The day after the fire, viewers snapped photos of a burned-out camper inside the fire scene that included a microwave and grill, according to Slate.

But the city says the weather is to blame: “At the end of the day, what’s really driving these fires is the dry conditions,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol.

If city dwellers are at risk, then those living in more rural areas with more vegetation face an even higher risk.

How can property owners protect themselves and their homes?

Don’t be the one to start the fire

Avoid burning outdoors, including campfires, bonfires and any other open flames, the FDNY says.

If you must grill, stay away from dry brush and keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby.

And beware of smoking and dispose of cigarette butts properly.

Clean your property regularly

“Cleaning your home regularly and removing dust and debris from your home can go a long way in preventing any embers from entering your home and spreading,” says Steve Lockwood, owner of Mountain State Fire Protection, an inspection company. and fire safety installation. .

“Clean both the outside and inside of your windows,” adds Lockwood.

“The dirt, dust and grime that collects on your windows during dry seasons can ignite and start a fire.”

Use fireproof curtains

“I would also recommend removing any flammable curtains from your wall and replacing them with fireproof curtains, at least during the dry months, fire season,” he says.

“All it takes is an ember to strike something flammable and a fire will spread quickly.”

Seal gaps to keep fire out

“You may not be able to do this if you don’t own the unit you live in, but one of the best ways to protect yourself from fire is to prevent embers from entering your home,” says Lockwood.

“Cover the gaps in your windows, walls and doors with fire-resistant weatherstripping. If you can’t make minor repairs to the property, you can seal these gaps with fire-resistant sheets.â€

Stay informed through your condo or co-op board

With cities like New York City and Boston at risk of fire, many apartment dwellers may feel powerless to protect their property.

“The best thing landlords can do is keep everyone informed,” says Jessica Lauren, who specializes in rehabilitating fire-damaged residential properties.

“This requires owners (or the board) to educate residents about fire hazards. Many people are unaware of the dangers of fire and need a basic background to help minimize a fire spreading through a building.

Remove the fuel

“Look at the outside of your building for potential fuel and remove it,” says Lauren.

“Certain types of bushes or trees can promote the spread of fire. Does your building have flammable wood cladding? Remove it. So residents have storage areas in open garages? Flammables in those bins and cupboards are a ready source of fuel for fires.â€

“Remove flammable items from decks or patios: chair cushions, wicker furniture, flammable rugs, etc,” adds Lauren.

“Roofing materials are the biggest fuel for the fire. Ask the fire department for recommendations for your building’s roof to improve fire resistance. This may involve a treatment, but it may also mean replacing the current materials with something else

Have a fire extinguisher handy

“This goes without saying, but make sure you always have a fire extinguisher handy in your home,” says Lockwood.

“Check the date when that extinguisher was last inspected or replaced. They must be replaced every 10 years. You can put up all kinds of barriers to prevent fires, but if one starts in your home, you need a fire extinguisher to put it out.

Decluttering isn’t just for aesthetics

You may have seen those episodes of “Hoarders” where the hoarder’s house has suffered fire damage from mountains of newspapers, magazines and other old paraphernalia coming into contact with a heat source.

Don’t let it be you.

“It’s easy for piles of paper, stacks of boxes and other combustibles to pile up near heat sources, causing a fire hazard,” says building restoration service DKI.

“A floor littered with clothes, toys and other clutter can also block escape routes, making it more difficult to evacuate in an emergency,” adds DKI.

“Also, extension cords strewn across the floor are tripping hazards that can lead to overheating wiring and possible electrical fires. When you keep your floors raised, you improve your home’s fire safety.â€