The FDNY tells News 12 a fire in Inwood Hill Park left 4 acres burned.

One resident says brushfires are becoming a new reality.

“I bought an air filter and I am well versed in opening my windows and cranking it up," they said.

Steva Sowell-Hardcastle, a NYC Park’s Super Steward, says it was heartbreaking to watch, but that there could be a silver lining.

“It was devastating to me, I mean this is my heart. We’re trying to turn this tragedy into a positive thing. Maybe we will see native species regrowing. We can target areas for regrowing,” said Sowell-Hardcastle.

She also says they are looking for ways to navigate this new territory.

“How do we make some of these natural areas a little more fire resistant? That may mean putting in barriers where there’s no plantings and getting out old, dead debris,” said Sowell-Hardcastle.

The city is urging New Yorkers to conserve water and not to light outdoor fires.