On the Department's busiest night of the year, the FDNY helps safeguard 2026 ball drop in Times Square

January 1, 2026

FDNY members played a critical role in safeguarding the iconic Times Square ball drop celebration on New Year's Eve in New York City.

New Year's Eve is the Department's busiest night of the year. The FDNY places more ambulances on the streets that night than any other night of the year. Members from both EMS and fire operations responded to thousands of medical calls.

To ensure safety at the annual event, the FDNY collaborates with the NYPD, NYC Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation and other city, state and federal agencies. The FDNY deployed hundreds of additional resources to support the event, including EMS and fire operations, fire prevention, fire investigation, Haz-Mat and dispatch units.

The FDNY's presence extended far beyond Times Square, with units citywide prepared to respond to emergencies across all five boroughs.