Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set
Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set/Ross Kenneth Urken

UPDATED: Suspected Arsonist Sought in Central Park Brush Fires

MANHATTAN –  Firefighters raced to the north end of Central Park just before 1:30pm Tuesday afternoon after a series of small fires broke out across the North Woods area near Central Park North in Harlem. Smoke could be seen rising from the park as FDNY crews battled the flames, which were believed to be intentionally set.

Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set
Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set/Ross Kenneth Urken

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The NYPD confirms to Upper East Site that three small fires were set inside Central Park– and that witnesses told cops they saw a man wearing green pants, black jacket and black hoodie setting a fire near West 107th Street and Central Park West. 

Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set
Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set/Ross Kenneth Urken

FDNY officials confirmed to Upper East Site that firefighters battled ‘numerous’ brush or rubbish fires in the area of the North Woods, but did not provide a specific number. 

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“Central Park is literally on fire,” said witness Dr. Skye Clearly in a tweet posted Tuesday afternoon with a photo showing clouds of smoke hanging in the trees. 

Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set
Central Park fires believed to be intentionally set/Dr. Skye Cleary

All the fires are now extinguished and the NYPD confirms there were no injuries. 

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