NEW YORK — Fast-moving brush fires have ravaged a large portion of Long Island on Saturday, driven by high winds and spewing thick smoke into the air. The fires have prompted the evacuation of a military base and the closure of a major highway, causing concern for the safety of residents and properties in the affected areas.
According to officials, three of the four fires have been fully contained, while the fourth, in Westhampton, is currently 50% contained. While two commercial buildings have been partially burned, thankfully no homes have been affected. However, one firefighter was flown to the hospital for treatment of burns to the face.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine expressed that the biggest challenge in containing the fires is the strong wind, which is only fueling the flames. The situation is dire and has led New York Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency. State agencies are now working together to respond to the fires that are raging through the Pine Barrens, a wooded area that is home to many commuter towns east of New York City.
In an interview with Long Island TV station News 12, Governor Hochul stated that the fires are still out of control and more evacuations may be necessary. She also emphasized the risk to homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse in the vicinity.
Videos shared on social media show the intensity of the fires, with flames shooting into the air and columns of black smoke rising above roads. In an effort to combat the fires, Air National Guard helicopters have been deployed to drop water on the affected areas.
As a precautionary measure, the Town of Southampton issued a warning against starting recreational fires due to the high wildfire risk. This warning came shortly after videos of the fires began circulating on social media.
Governor Hochul has also announced that the National Guard is providing support by helicopter and working closely with local law enforcement. She reassured the public that their safety is her top priority and that she is doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe.
In her interview with News 12, Governor Hochul refrained from estimating the extent of the fires, stating only that they are growing rapidly. Satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System showed that the fire and smoke stretch approximately 3 kilometers (2.5 miles) along Sunrise Highway.
As a result of the fires, police have closed a section of the highway, which is a major route to the East End of Long Island. The fires are also dangerously close to the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, where the National Guard has launched at least one helicopter to assist in containing the fires. One of the partially burned commercial buildings is also located near the airport.
As a precaution, personnel at the base have been evacuated since 1:45 p.m., according to base spokesman Cheran Cambell. The situation is still developing, and officials are working tirelessly to contain the fires and ensure the safety of all residents.
In this time of crisis, it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We must also extend our gratitude to the brave firefighters and first responders who are risking their lives to protect our communities. Let us come together as a community and support each other during this difficult time. Public safety is our top priority, and with the efforts of everyone involved, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger.
