Brush fire in Washington Heights under control, FDNY says

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) — Fire officials said a wildfire that burned in Manhattan Tuesday afternoon was under control as of Tuesday evening.

The fire along the border of Washington Heights and Harlem was reported in Highbridge Park on West 155th Street & Harlem River Drive around 2:20 p.m

The Washington Heights section of Highbridge Park is a wooded, hilly oasis. But what makes it a neighborhood treasure also made it extremely difficult for firefighters to get water to the scene.

FDNY officials said 10 to 15 acres of brush were burning in an extremely dense and hilly part of the park with minimal water supplies.

138 firefighters and medics arrived on the scene.

Firefighters dragged hoses all the way in from Edgecombe Ave when three alarms went off.

No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged.

The brush fire task force will work overnight to determine the cause of the fire and monitor hot spots.

Officials said firefighters will monitor the area to make sure the flames do not flare up again.

The fire comes as New York City is officially under a drought warning as dry conditions continue in the Tri-State.

Officials are reminding New Yorkers amid the drought warning, barbecuing and grilling and open flames and smoking are prohibited in New York parks.

Fire officials say if you see unauthorized flames, call 911 and report the flame so firefighters can stay ahead of a possible fire.

A drought warning was issued earlier this month and now New Yorkers are being asked to limit their water use.

The enhanced drought alert status marks the first time in 22 years that New York City officials have made this designation.

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