A rare brush fire in Van Cortlandt Park sent smoke billowing across the Bronx on Monday, as NYC faces increased fire risks due to drought conditions.

A brush fire in Van Cortlandt Park is causing smoke and traffic delays in the area. The fire broke out just before 7:45 a.m. near East 233rd Street and the Major Deegan Expressway. The Fire Department is asking people in the area to keep their windows closed.

A brush fire broke out near the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx during the Monday morning commute, according to the FDNY. The fire broke out near East 233rd Street around 7:45 a.m., fire officials said.