MAYOR ADAMS SUSPENDS OPEN FLAME AND FIREWORK PERMITS CITYWIDE AMID DECLARED DROUGHT WARNING, HIGH FIRE RISK

 

Declaration Comes After City Saw Longest Rainless Streak in Recorded History 

 

 City’s Water Supply Needs Almost Eight Inches of Rain to Reach Normal Levels 

  

Mayor Banned Grilling in Parks, FDNY Created First-Ever Brush 

Fire Task Force in Response to Historic Increase in Brush Fires 

  

Drought Warning is Second of Three Levels of Water Conservation Declaration Possible by City; Mayor Issued Drought Watch on November 2nd and Warning on November 18th  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Robert Tucker, and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue today announced additional measures that the city is taking to prevent brush and forest fires amid the city’s ongoing drought warning, declared on Monday, as well as an increased fire risk. Effective immediately, the city is suspending the issuance of permits for fireworks displays or open flames across the entire city. Additionally, NYC Parks is cancelling previously-issued permits for fireworks displays or open flames in city parks and FDNY will review previously-issued permits for those activities in or over city streets or waters on a case-by-case basis. The city will work with individuals and groups who had those permits if they wish to proceed with their previously-scheduled event using alternatives to fireworks displays or open flames. 

  

“With the historic level of brush fires we’ve seen, and the continued rainfall shortage and drought conditions, we’re stepping up our efforts even further,” said Mayor Adams. “The measures we’re announcing today will help prevent additional fires, protect our natural spaces and our air, and keep New Yorkers safe. But we can’t do this alone — in addition to conserving water, we need New Yorkers to be particularly cautious if you choose to grill, smoke, or undertake other activities that involve open flames. This is absolutely not the year to try deep-frying your turkeys.” 

  

“As our region faces worsening drought conditions, we are now in a drought warning posture and urgently call on all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and take immediate action to protect our city. This is a critical moment, and every effort counts. We commend our partners at NYC Parks, FDNY, and all city agencies for their proactive and precautionary measures to safeguard our communities,” said Chief of Staff and Extreme Weather Coordinator Camille Joseph Varlack. “Our administration is working tirelessly to monitor the evolving situation, issue updated guidance, and implement essential protections to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers during this prolonged and challenging dry period. Together, we will navigate this crisis and build resilience for the future.” 

  

“Keeping our city safe during this historic drought requires more than just the hard work of our first responders; it requires all of us to be good neighbors,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker. “We have a shared responsibility to each do what we can to protect lives, property, and safety in our communities.” 

  

“We’ve all seen the impact of brush fires from Brooklyn to the Bronx amid the ongoing drought — which is why we are taking the commonsense measure to suspend all open flame and firework permits citywide,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “We must all do our part to keep each other, and our public realm, safe from fire.” 

   

“With a drought warning still in place, we continue to urge New Yorkers do their part, conserve water, and adhere to these important safety guidelines to reduce the chances of brush fires occurring in our city,” said FDNY Commissioner Tucker. “The FDNY has responded to more than 300 brush fires already this month and we need the public to remain vigilant and conserve water so that we can continue to effectively extinguish fires when they occur.” 

  

“Though hosting firework shows has long been a tradition in New York City’s parks, the unprecedented number of brush fires we’ve seen devastate our green spaces over the past few weeks require us to make smart decisions to help keep our city safe,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Donoghue. “We urge all New Yorkers to take these drought guidelines seriously, do their part to conserve water, and not take any unnecessary risks for the safety of our communities and the health of our precious natural resources.” 

  

“Dry conditions are fueling a dangerous fire risk across our city, and suspending permits for fireworks and open flames is a necessary step,” said New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol. “As NYCEM and our sister agencies work tirelessly to mitigate risks, coordinate efforts, and respond effectively to any incidents, we're asking all New Yorkers to do their part and be extra vigilant: report any signs of smoke or fire to 911 immediately, and please dispose of cigarettes properly. This is also a good time to check that you have working smoke alarms and a go bag with essential documents, medications, and supplies ready, just in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. We all have a role to play in keeping our city safe.”  

  

“Suspending permits for fireworks displays and open flames is an essential step in reducing the heightened risk of dangerous brush fires, which have surged due to the unprecedented dry conditions New York City is facing. Firefighting requires significant amounts of water, so taking proactive measures and focusing on prevention not only protects our residents and green spaces, but also preserves our water supply for essential needs,” said New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner and Chief Climate Officer Rohit T. Aggarwala. “I urge all New Yorkers to conserve water and refrain from any activities that could ignite fires during this historic dry spell. By working together, we can safeguard our city.” 

  

The additional measures come as New York City responds to an unprecedented uptick in the number of brush fires. In the two-week period from November 1, 2024 – November 14, 2024, the FDNY responded to 271 brush fires citywide — the highest amount in a two-week period in New York City history. In response, the FDNY created its first-ever Brush Fire Task Force, comprised of fire marshals, fire inspectors, and tactical drone units. The task force will help ensure rapid and effective responses to brush fires, conduct comprehensive investigations to help determine the cause and origin of each fire, and enhance data and information sharing to prevent fires from occurring. 

  

Mayor Adams also issued additional reminders to New Yorkers of key steps to help prevent fires amidst dry conditions: 

  

•   Grilling is banned in New York City parks throughout the duration of drought conditions. 

•   Fireworks remain illegal across New York City. 

•  Take extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking other hot construction activities, particularly when near dry grass or leaves. 

•  Smoking remains illegal on construction sites across the five boroughs. Additional information on construction site fire safety is available online. 

•   Outside of construction sites, New Yorkers who choose to smoke should always dispose of cigarette butts and matches properly. 

•   New Yorkers should stay on designated trails when enjoying city parks, so as to help protect surrounding vegetation and minimize the risk of accidental fires.  

•   Tapping streetlights for electricity (for things like holiday decorations) remains illegal, as it poses a large fire risk. 

•   As fallen and bundled leaves can be a fire accelerant, New Yorkers should continue to set out yard waste on their recycling day for New York City Department of Sanitation pickup and call 311 to have DEP clear clogged catch basins. 

•   New Yorkers should remove litter and any excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks abutting their residences and businesses. 

•   New Yorkers sensitive to changes in air quality should continue to take appropriate precautions and check AirNow’s website for information on city air quality. 

•   All New Yorkers should subscribe to Notify NYC for up-to-date information. 

  

A drought warning is the second of three levels of water conservation declarations from the city. As conditions evolve, the city may declare a drought emergency, which involves escalating requirements on government agencies and New Yorkers to reduce water usage. 

  

 

  

Stages of drought response in New York City. Credit: City Hall 

  

Mayor Adams, today, also reminded all New Yorkers to do their part to conserve water. Some simple tips include:   

  

•   Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311. An open hydrant can release more than 1,000 gallons per minute, which wastes 1.4 million gallons of drinking water in a 24-hour cycle.  

•   Don't flush the toilet unnecessarily. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets are by far the main source of water use in a home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home's indoor water consumption. Each flush can use 1.6 gallons, with older models using as much as six gallons.   

•   Take shorter showers, saving five to seven gallons a minute. When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.  

•   Don't run the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth. Faucets use two to three gallons per minute.   

•   Fix leaks. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, according to the EPA.  

•   Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Use short cycles if available. Turn off the water while washing dishes.  

•   Install water-saving fixtures, including low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as faucet aerators.  

•   Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean rather than washing them down with a hose.  

•   For even more ideas, visit DEP's Water Savings Tips website.  

  

  

New York City has been successful in conserving water for decades. The city’s average daily water demand has decreased by approximately 35 percent over the past several decades, even as the city’s population has grown by more than 1 million people. During its peak, in 1979, the city’s average water usage was 1.5 billion gallons of water a day. Thanks to improved management strategies — systemwide leak detection and repairs, replacing old meters with automated meter readers, and providing an online platform for customers to track and monitor water usage and quickly detect leaks in their buildings — the city now uses just 1.1 billion gallons a day on average, and under 1 billion gallons during the winter months.  

  

DEP manages the nation’s largest municipal water supply system, which provides high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels, and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs.  

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Weather Impacting New York Starting Tonight Through Sunday

“Tonight, widespread rain, gusty winds and snow in the higher elevations are expected to begin across the State and continue through the weekend. This much-needed rain will help alleviate ongoing wildfires and current drought conditions, with up to two inches of rain expected in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Capital Regions.

“Winter Weather Watches and Advisories have been issued for portions of Central NY, Mid-Hudson, Southern Tier and Capital regions starting Thursday afternoon through Friday. While New Yorkers are no strangers to winter weather, here are some helpful reminders to stay safe: monitor your local forecast, exercise caution and slow down if driving on wet and icy roads, be sure to have necessities on hand in case of power outages, and use proper, safe sources of heat to stay warm if needed.”

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF NYPD COMMISSIONER TISCH

 

"I want to wish Commissioner Tisch luck as she assumes this new role, after years of a varied and effective career in public service. I hope that she can, as the mayor said, bring the NYPD into the next century, using technology to increase transparency and efficiency. Our city is best served when public safety is prioritized, when the NYPD is supported in playing their role in that system without being asked to take lead in areas outside their expertise. This will also help support the majority of officers who work every single day with integrity, ready to respond to all manner of 911 calls. 

"With faster access to body-worn camera footage, with detailed data on stops and other enforcement, we can decrease unnecessary police encounters while increasing trust by strengthening accountability. Advancements in technology must also be paired with scrutiny of tools that are unjust or unproven in public safety.”

"In that spirit, I ask the incoming Commissioner to examine policies of her predecessors, and to commit to not repeating some of their most harmful practices, such as the abuses of the Stop, Question & Frisk tool, which I am concerned is increasing. No commissioner should be preventing the disciplinary processes from playing out, as others have, and needed reforms should be seen as progress rather than obstacles. 

"I look forward to partnering with the incoming Commissioner to help ensure New Yorkers both are safe and feel safe."

MAYOR ADAMS RELEASES NOVEMBER 2024 FINANCIAL PLAN UPDATE WITH NEW INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC SAFETY, AFFORDABILITY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH ADMINISTRATION’S ONGOING STRONG FISCAL MANAGEMENT

 

Technical Plan Updates Revenue and Savings Since Budget Adoption, Makes Strategic Investments to Address Budget Cliffs Funded with Temporary Stimulus, Meet Underfunded Needs, and Support Priority Programs and Services 

New Investments Include Addition of 1,600 Police Officers, Funding for Cash Assistance Program, Support for New York City Public Schools, and Purchase of Thousands of New Sanitation Bins to Continue “Trash Revolution,” Among Other Initiatives 

Administration's Proactive Fiscal Management Has Driven Savings of $785 Million in Fiscal Year 2025 and $85 million in Fiscal Year 2026, With Asylum Seeker Cost Savings Reaching Nearly $500 Million Over Two Fiscal Years 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the release of the November 2024 Financial Plan Update with investments that continue to make New York City safer, more affordable, and more livable for working-class New Yorkers. The update marks the beginning of a new budget cycle in which New York City continues to practice the strong fiscal management that helped successfully navigate the city through the fiscal impact of funding a humanitarian crisis and having to close budget holes left by expiring short-term stimulus dollars that were used to support long-term critical programs under the previous administration. The plan update reflects the Adams administration’s ongoing commitment to strong fiscal management by achieving citywide savings and making targeted investments that will support working-class New Yorkers, meet underfunded needs, and invest in critical programs.

“From day one, our administration has put working-class New Yorkers first and have been working to make this city safer, more affordable, and more livable,” said Mayor Adams. “We have remained focused on strong fiscal management and achieving savings to make the best use of taxpayer dollars and balance the budget. Because of our smart and tough decisions early on, we are able to continue investing in working-class New Yorkers and their families, and today’s November plan update does just that. This plan reflects savings of almost $900 million over two fiscal years and over $200 million in additional tax revenue, signaling a strong New York City economy. We are proud to add an additional 1,600 police officers, which will increase our uniform force to nearly 34,000 officers to keep our communities safe. We are also helping working-class New Yorkers pay for necessities like housing, groceries, and bills by putting over $467 million in the cash assistance program and $115 million into our CityFHEPS rental assistance program to help families stay in their homes. We are funding school contract nurses, supporting core technology projects in public schools, and fully containerizing all Department of Parks and Recreation curbside trash locations with 9,000 lockable steel bins to continue our ‘Trash Revolution’ across the five boroughs, amongst other investments. Together, we will continue to build a city for working-class people that is safer, more prosperous, and more livable.”

“Today’s November plan update balances our steadfast commitment to strong fiscal management with our recognition of where targeted investments in public safety, affordability, and quality of life are particularly necessary and timely,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “The citywide savings we are recognizing, as well as the incremental tax revenue we expect to see, allow us to make meaningful investments that further our administration’s agenda to support working people.”

Ongoing Strong Fiscal Management

The FY25 budget is now $115 billion, with gaps of $5.46 billion in FY 2026, $5.57 billion in FY 2027, and $6.34 billion in FY 2028, which are all slightly lower than at FY25 budget adoption due to reduced pension costs. Growth since budget adoption is primarily due to recognition of grant funds.

The plan update reflects $201 million in additional tax revenue in FY25, largely reflecting increased collections since the budget was adopted in July, signaling a strong New York City economy.

The administration has remained focused on achieving savings to make the best use of taxpayer dollars and balance the budget. This plan reflects citywide savings of $785 million in FY25 and $85 million in FY26, driven by asylum seeker cost savings of $436 million in FY25 and $59 million in FY26, primarily due to lower-than-expected number of asylum seekers entering the city's care since July 2024. This is in addition to savings the city has achieved over previous plans due to the administration’s efforts to help migrants take the next steps toward self-sufficiency and reducing household per-diem cost. The savings achieved in this Plan Update substantially offset agency expense changes over FY25 and FY26 that prioritize public safety, meet unfilled needs, and fund budget cliffs for critical programs.

FY25 Investment Highlights

Keeping Communities Safe

• Funding January and April 2025 NYPD Academy classes that will put 1,600 new officers on the streets by October 2025 and increase uniform force strength to nearly 34,000 officers ($140 million).
• Funding for staffing, equipment, and other needs to support operations at the Bellevue Outposted Therapeutic Housing Unit, a secure, clinical unit within a hospital that serves patients in custody who have serious health conditions and follows the jail-based therapeutic housing model, that is scheduled to open in early 2025 ($6.7 million).
• Expanding the New York City Sheriff’s “electronic ankle monitoring program” with funding for 51 new positions to help increase safety, while at the same time allowing carefully selected, screened, and monitored pre-trial detainees to return to their communities and jobs ($5.3 million).
• Reducing recidivism by justice-involved individuals, helping reintegration into the community, and improving jail safety by deepening support for New York City Department of Correction programming, including transition planning for people in custody, substance misuse education and support, supplemental education sessions, and therapeutic services ($4.7 million).
• Increasing staffing for the “Operation Padlock to Protect” cannabis enforcement program with funds directed to the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings and the New York City Sheriff’s Office to help with administrative support due to increased task force inspections and closure of illegal cannabis shops ($1 million).

Making New York City More Affordable

• Adding funding to the cash assistance program to close a fiscal cliff and meet growing caseload needs in order to provide stability to a program that helps nearly 570,000 eligible children and adults meet their basic daily needs, such as paying for housing, utilities, and food ($467.6 million).
• Filling a budget hole in the City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention (CityFHEPS) rental assistance program that had been supported with short-term stimulus dollars in order to help prevent homelessness and keep vulnerable New Yorkers in their homes ($114.9 million).

• Closing the funding gap for the “Groceries to Go” program that helps eligible food insecure New Yorkers purchase groceries for delivery or pickup ($7.3 million).

Filling Gaps in the New York City Public School Budget Left by Expiring Stimulus Funds in an Effort to Protect Critical Programs

• Supporting critical New York City Public Schools technology resources to fund core needs that had previously been funded with temporary stimulus dollars ($80 million).
• Funding for school contract nurses that had been supported with temporary stimulus dollars ($65 million).

Improving Quality of Life by Keeping New York City Clean and Green

• Funding to continue Mayor Adams’ “Trash Revolution” with the purchase of approximately 5,000 tilt trucks for about 1,400 school buildings that allow for easy loading, transportation, and unloading of waste to help comply with containerization regulations ($4 million).
• Purchasing over 9,000 lockable steel bins to fully containerize all New York City Department of Parks and Recreation curbside trash locations ($1.85 million).

The plan update reflects updates to the FY25 Adopted Budget, which the administration balanced in the face of a record level $7.1 billion budget gap through strong fiscal management and remaining focused on savings and reducing asylum seeker spending needs. By managing its way to a stable fiscal position, the Adams administration was able to make record investments in early childhood education, public safety, and programs that maintain the health and quality-of-life of New Yorkers. These investments included holding school budgets harmless from mid-year funding adjustments, safeguarding more than $600 million in educational programs previously funded with short-term stimulus, funding police academy classes that put more officers on city streets to keep New Yorkers safe, and protecting libraries and cultural institutions.