On a recent Saturday, fast-moving brush fires ignited across a large area of Long Island, New York. Fueled by high winds, these fires emitted thick clouds of gray smoke and forced the evacuation of a military base, alongside the closure of a key highway.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating fire risk, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “This is still out of control at this moment,” she stated during an interview with Long Island TV station News 12. The fires near the Pine Barrens area threatened residential homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse, prompting officials to consider further evacuations.

Current Fire Status

As of the latest reports, three out of four fires were fully contained, while one in Westhampton was reported to be 50% contained. Fortunately, officials noted that despite two commercial buildings sustaining partial fire damage, residential properties remained safe. Tragically, one firefighter was transported to a hospital suffering from burns.

Challenges Faced by Firefighters

High winds have posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts. “Our biggest problem is the wind,” stated Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Eyewitnesses shared videos on social media capturing dramatic images of flames leaping into the air and thick black smoke rising above the landscape.

Emergency Response and Public Safety Measures

In an effort to combat the fires, Air National Guard helicopters have been deployed to drop water on the flames. Local authorities have also issued warnings against starting recreational fires in the region due to the heightened wildfire risk.

In her statement, Governor Hochul reiterated her commitment to ensuring public safety, declaring, “Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe.” The National Guard is actively involved in providing air support while collaborating with local law enforcement.

OVERVIEW OF IMPACT

Initial assessments indicated that the fire front and smoke extended approximately 2.5 miles along Sunrise Highway, as noted by NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System. In response to the fires, police closed parts of this major roadway, essential for connections to the East End of Long Island.

Officials reported that evacuations at the nearby Francis S. Gabreski Airport began around 1:45 p.m. as a precaution, reflecting the expansive risk to the area.