Four City Beaches May Be Contaminated By Hudson Sewage Spill

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Four beaches are added to the list of possibly contaminated waterways, following Wednesday's fire at a water treatment plant on the Hudson River.

The city is advising New Yorkers to not to go swimming at South Beach, Midland Beach and Ceder Grove Beach on Staten Island, as well as Sea Gate Beach in Brooklyn.

The warning is in effect from Friday morning through Monday.

Officials say nearby beaches like Coney Island will be safe for swimming.

A warning was already in place banning water activities in the Hudson, East and Harlem Rivers as well as New York Harbor.

A vital piece of machinery inside the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Harlem was destroyed during a four-alarm fire Wednesday.

Officials say they are working to get the plant back online, but they're not sure when they'll be able to get the facility completely operational.

As a result, Department of Environmental Protection officials say the plant could be discharging up to 130 million gallons of wastewater a day.

A cause for the fire has not yet been determined.

Two firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion and were treated and released.

Heat Relief Available Beyond The Beach

The beach closings come as New Yorkers are being urged to take precautions to protect against the effects of the oppressive weather.

City temperatures are expected to reach 103 degrees Friday, which would be the fourth time in 10 years the temperature has topped 100 degrees.

New Yorkers are urged to stay out of the heat if possible and drink lots of water.

Officials want want city dwellers to keep an eye on those most susceptible to the extreme heat, like the elderly, young children and those with respiratory problems.

"We have 500 cooling centers open across the five boroughs. With the extreme heat expected to last through the weekend, through at least Saturday and maybe Sunday if needed, many of the cooling centers will have extended hours through the evening," said Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Bruno.

DEP Commissioner Cas Holloway is urging New Yorkers to pick up spray caps for fire hydrants, so that they can be legally opened.

More water centers are being set up in high-traffic areas around town.

Water fountains are available for both people and pets.

For any questions about the heat, or how to stay safe, call 311.