 Borough President Vito Fossella, the FDNY, and the City Parks Department urged Staten Islanders to apply for firebreak permits to protect their properties.
The call to apply for firebreak permits comes following six recent brush fires, including four in Clove Lakes Park, a two-alarm fire in Brookfield Park, and another near Historic Richmond Town. The fires were attributed to a significant lack of rainfall, which has resulted in a drought watch. “We want to call attention to something that could be potentially dangerous, but we can take measure to help protect properties and save lives” said Borough President Fossella at a press conference in Clove Lakes Park. The State Department of Environmental Conservation issues a general permit through Borough Hall to allow residents to cut back and mow phragmites around their homes to reduce the risk of property damage. FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph Duggan said the numbers speak for themselves, placing a historical perspective on brush fires throughout the five boroughs: In a typical October, the FDNY responds to approximately 34 brush fires citywide. This October, there were 197. “Please, clear away the dead leaves around your house -- that will help us out tremendously,” he said. “Brush fires move extremely fast and are driven by the wind. In some parts of the city, we’re going to the same places every day. It’s a severe concern for the homeowners and the firefighters, as well. Anything you can do, we would greatly appreciate.” Residents can apply for the permit by visiting the Borough Hall website , by email, or by calling 718-816-2060. Comments are closed.
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