NEW YORK — Fast-moving brush fires have engulfed a significant area of land on Long Island, New York, on Saturday, driven by strong winds. The fires have released thick gray smoke, leading to the evacuation of a military base and the closure of a major highway.
Officials reported that three of the four fires are fully contained, while the remaining fire in Westhampton is currently 50% contained. Although two commercial buildings have suffered partial burns, homes in the vicinity are not threatened. Tragically, one firefighter has been transported to a hospital to receive treatment for burns to the face.
“Our biggest problem is the wind,” stated Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “It is driving this fire.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency, announcing that state agencies are actively responding to the fires near the Pine Barrens, a wooded region that accommodates commuter towns east of New York City.
“This situation remains out of control at this moment,” Hochul commented during an interview with Long Island TV station News 12. “We are seeing evacuations taking place in the Westhampton area,” she added, indicating that further evacuations might be necessary.
Governor Hochul mentioned that homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse are currently at risk due to the advancing fires. Social media has been flooded with videos showcasing flames shooting into the air and dark smoke billowing above roadways.
In response to the crisis, Air National Guard helicopters have been deployed to drop water on the flames. The Town of Southampton has issued warnings against starting recreational fires, citing the heightened wildfire risk. This warning coincided with the emergence of many distressing videos.
Governor Hochul noted that the National Guard is providing helicopter support and collaborating with local law enforcement. “Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” she affirmed. In her discussion with News 12, Hochul refrained from estimating the extent of the flames but mentioned that they are growing rapidly.
Recent satellite data suggests that fire and smoke have stretched roughly 3 kilometers (2.5 miles) along Sunrise Highway, as reported by NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System. As a precaution, police have closed a section of the highway, a primary route to the East End of Long Island.
The fires have been raging near Francis S. Gabreski Airport, where the National Guard has launched at least one helicopter. One of the commercial buildings that has partially burned is situated close to the airport. Personnel at the military base began evacuating around 1:45 p.m. as a safety measure, according to spokesman Cheran Cambell.
