STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As the city’s firefighters battle wildfires at a historic pace, the FDNY announced Sunday the creation of the first FDNY Wildfire Task Force.

Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced the initiative would include fire marshals, fire inspectors and tactical drone units in response to the record increase in brush fires occurring across the five boroughs.

The task force will help ensure rapid and effective responses to bushfires, conduct in-depth investigations to help determine the cause and origin of each fire, and improve the sharing of data and information to prevent fires, according to the FDNY.

“Due to a significant lack of precipitation, the threat of fast-spreading wildfires, fueled by dry vegetation and windy conditions, has led to a historic increase in wildfires across New York City,” a said Commissioner Tucker. “By establishing this task force, we are taking concrete steps to prevent bushfires from happening, putting protocols in place to keep our members safe while they are in the field, and working to identify causes of these fires after they maintained New Brunswick. Yorkers will be safe in the future. I also want to urge New Yorkers to follow our important safety tips and help us reduce the risk of wildfires.

The initiative follows an uptick in the number of wildfires that caused historic drought levels in New York in October and November.

In the period from From November 1 to 14, citywide, the FDNY responded to 271 brush fires — the highest amount over a two-week period in New York City history, according to the press release.

Over the past three years, there have only been 200 for the entire month of October, according to the FDNY.

The task force’s operational strategy will focus on three key areas: pre-fire operations, ongoing bushfire operations and post-fire operations, the municipal agency said.

Pre-fire operations should include risk assessment, data collection and public education.

Ongoing bushfire operations will focus on tactical and investigation support.

Post-fire operations will be devoted to investigating the cause and origin of the fires; post-fire inspections; damage assessment; and interinstitutional collaboration.

The task force will also improve internal communication and external coordination to help prevent fires and ensure the safety of first responders in the field.

After each bushfire, the task force will also conduct a thorough after-action review and performance evaluation, the press release details.

FDNY TIPS FOR THE COMMUNITY

The FDNY Community Affairs Unit encourages the public to implement these eight fire safety tips:

1. Avoid outdoor fires, including campfires, bonfires and any other open flames.
2. Grilling has been banned in New York City parks as the city remains gripped by drought.
3. Be careful about smoking. If you smoke outside, always dispose of your butts and matches properly.
4. Take extra safety precautions when welding or undertaking other flammable construction activities, especially around dry grass or leaves.
5. When enjoying our parks, please stay on designated trails. This will help protect surrounding vegetation and minimize the risk of accidental fires.
6. Fireworks remain illegal throughout New York City.
7. Remove trash and excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks adjacent to residences and businesses.
8. We encourage New Yorkers to stay informed about emergencies in their neighborhoods and across the city by signing up for Notify NYC. For more information, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311.