NYC and the tri-state area are experiencing serious issues due to wildfires and prolonged dry weather.

The combination of ongoing fires, smoke-filled skies, and a severe drought has created unhealthy conditions for millions of people.

Smoke from fires in places like Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Long Island has caused the air quality to drop to dangerous levels, leading to health advisories for the region.

Older adults, children, and those with heart or lung conditions are most at risk and are being urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.

Ultimately, the fires are a direct result of the dry conditions that have worsened over the last few months.

Central Park has only seen 1.59 inches of rain since September, which makes this the driest fall in recent history.

To put this in perspective, the U.S. Drought Monitor has labeled the situation extreme, and fire danger remains high across the region.

Red flag warnings have been issued for areas like New York City, northern New Jersey, Long Island, and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

These warnings mean conditions are ripe for fires to start and spread quickly because of low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds.

Nearly half a dozen fires are burning across New Jersey, including in Pompton Lakes, Jackson Township, and Glassboro.

In Brooklyn, firefighters, thankfully, managed to stop a brush fire in Prospect Park before it spread further.

The fire started Friday evening and was brought under control within three hours, though one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but the city is taking no chances.

Mayor Eric Adams announced a ban on all grilling in parks until the drought ends.

And the mayor stressed the importance of residents taking simple precautions to help prevent more fires.

Meanwhile, air quality in the region has worsened significantly because of the smoke.

By Saturday evening, the air in New York City reached “very unhealthy” levels.

Some areas, such as Brooklyn and parts of New Jersey, have been hit even harder.

People in affected areas are being asked to monitor air quality reports and avoid outdoor activities if they notice smoke or experience breathing difficulties.

Experts suggest using air purifiers at home, keeping windows and doors closed, and avoiding activities that can worsen indoor air, like burning candles or smoking.

If you must go outside, wearing a tight-fitting mask to filter smoke is recommended.

The fires are also taking a toll on firefighting crews.

With more than 500 wildfires reported in New Jersey this season alone, resources are stretched thin.

Helicopters, tankers, and ground crews work nonstop to contain the flames and protect homes.

At the Jennings Creek fire near the New Jersey-New York border, firefighters struggle to manage a blaze that has already burned 3,000 acres.

Tragically, an 18-year-old firefighter, Dariel Vasquez, lost his life during these efforts.

He was struck by a falling tree while fighting the fire.

Dariel was remembered as a brave and dedicated young man with big dreams for the future.

Unfortunately, this year’s fire season is unlike anything seen in decades.

New Jersey and New York have reported record-breaking numbers of fires, so this is one of the most challenging periods for emergency services.

Fire officials have warned that even though rain is forecasted in the coming days, it will not be enough to resolve the drought or eliminate the fire risks.

Only about an inch of rain is expected, which is far below what is needed to return to normal conditions.

And the effects of the smoke have been felt across the region.

Satellite images captured smoke drifting from fires in New Jersey and moving across parts of New York and Long Island.

Thus, the CDC has advised people to reduce their exposure to smoke as much as possible.

Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and eye irritation can occur even in healthy individuals.

For those with pre-existing conditions, the risks are even higher.

Emergency alerts and updates on local fires can be found through official channels, and residents are encouraged to stay informed.

For now, residents are urged to follow safety recommendations, stay indoors during poor air quality periods, and support firefighting efforts as crews work tirelessly to bring the fires under control.

The situation remains critical, but with careful planning and cooperation, the region can begin to recover.