Large brush fire in Brooklyn's Prospect Park under control: FDNY

The city is under a red flag warning due to "critical fire weather conditions."

Four engine companies will remain on the scene overnight to make sure the fire remains contained and does not re-ignite. Some hot spots remain, officials said at a press conference.

A passerby reported the fire in Prospect Park at about 6:40 p.m., Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said.

The fire grew to about two acres in size and is located in a "very inaccessible" and dense forested area of the park. Extremely dry vegetation and heavy winds contributed to the fire, Fire Deputy Chief Joseph Duggan said

Drone technology was being utilized to identify hot spots and specialized brush fire units, the FDNY said on X.

Multiple wildfires were reported Friday in neighboring New Jersey amid windy, dry conditions.

New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said that the forest in Prospect Park is the oldest standing forest in Brooklyn. "Our urban forest here is so critical," she said.