NEW YORK- A forest fire in the Van Cortlandt Park is causing smoke and traffic disruption in the area.
The fire broke out shortly before 7:45 a.m. near East 233rd Street and the Major Deegan Expressway.
The fire brigade is asking people in the area to keep their windows closed.
Chopper 2 flew over the scene and saw clouds of white smoke rising from the park.
CBS News New York
The fire comes as New York City is operating under drought watchdue to lack of recent rain. On Friday, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for our area, stressing that wind and dry conditions increase the risk of fire spread.
A wildfire has been burning in Rockaway Township, NJ since Friday and has since been 85% under control.
Check back soon for more on this developing story.
