New York City has lifted its bans on grilling in parks and open flames and fireworks following recent rainfall, Mayor Eric Adams said Monday.
The bans took effect last month after several wildfires burned in or near the city amid drought conditions, including a brush fire in Prospect Park.
Permit holders who previously applied to have fireworks displays or open flames can contact the city to update their permits, Adams said in a release.
Adams and the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner issued a drought watch on Nov. 2, before upgrading it to a drought warning on Nov. 18.
“While we’ve received enough rain in the five boroughs to lift our fireworks and open flame ban, but I want to be clear, we’re nowhere near out of the woods yet,” Adams said in a statement. “New Yorkers who get permits for these activities should enjoy them, but we need you to use the utmost levels of caution to prevent fires and keep our parks safe.”
“And the rain we’ve received isn’t nearly the additional foot of rain we’d need to replenish our upstate reservoirs, so we need all New Yorkers to continue conserving water whenever you can,” he added.
In his release, Adams said New Yorkers can take the following steps to conserve water:
- Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311.
- Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily.
- Take shorter showers.
- Don’t run the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth.
- Fix leaks.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full, using 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.
