NEW YORK — Fast-moving brush fires have burned through a large area of Long Island, New York, on Saturday, as high winds continue to fan the flames. The fires have caused the evacuation of a military base and the closure of a major highway, leaving behind a trail of gray smoke.
According to officials, three of the four fires have been fully contained, while the one in Westhampton is currently 50% contained. While two commercial buildings have been partially burned, officials have reassured that homes have not been affected. Sadly, one firefighter has been flown to a hospital to be treated for burns to the face.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stated, “Our biggest problem is the wind. It is driving this fire.” The strong gusts of wind have made it challenging for firefighters to contain and control the fire, causing it to spread quickly.
In response to the situation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency and has mobilized state agencies to respond to the fires in the Pine Barrens, a wooded area that is home to several commuter towns east of New York City. “This is still out of control at this moment,” Hochul expressed to Long Island TV station News 12.
“We’re seeing people having to be evacuated from the Westhampton area,” she added, acknowledging that more evacuations may be necessary. Homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse are at risk of being affected by the fires.
Videos posted on social media have captured the intensity of the fires, with flames shooting into the air and thick columns of black smoke rising above roads. In an effort to combat the flames, Air National Guard helicopters have been deployed to drop water on the affected areas.
In the midst of the chaos, the Town of Southampton has issued a warning against starting recreational fires due to the high risk of wildfires. This precaution was taken around the same time that the videos of the fires began circulating on social media.
In a statement, Governor Hochul confirmed that the National Guard is providing support by helicopter and working closely with local law enforcement. “Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” she said.
During her interview with News 12, Governor Hochul declined to estimate the extent of the fires, only stating that they are rapidly growing. However, satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System indicates that the fire and smoke have spread over an area of approximately 3 kilometers (2.5 miles) along Sunrise Highway.
As a precautionary measure, the police have closed a section of the highway, which is a main route to the East End of Long Island. The fires are raging near the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, from where the National Guard has launched at least one helicopter. One of the commercial buildings that have been partially burned is located near the airport.
In response to the situation, the base personnel have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, starting at 1:45 p.m., according to spokesman Cheran Cambell. Governor Hochul has assured that the National Guard is providing support and working closely with local law enforcement to contain the fires.
As of now, the situation remains uncertain and challenging. However, we can all come together to support our brave firefighters and the communities affected by these devastating fires. Let us all stay vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure the safety of all those affected. Public safety is our top priority, and together, we can overcome this challenge.
