Fast-moving brush fires, fueled by strong winds, swept through a large area of land on Long Island, New York, on Saturday, sending thick gray smoke into the air. This prompted the evacuation of a military base and the closure of a major highway.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and stated that state agencies were actively working to control the fires around the Pine Barrens, a forested region located to the east of New York City. She mentioned that homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse were at risk, and additional evacuations might be required.
“This situation is still out of control,” Hochul said in an interview with a local TV station. “We are seeing evacuations from the Westhampton area.”
Officials reported that three of the four fires had been fully contained, with the fire in Westhampton being 50% contained. Although two commercial buildings were partially damaged, officials confirmed that homes were not directly threatened by the flames.
One firefighter was airlifted to a hospital for treatment after suffering burns to the face.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine explained, “Our biggest challenge is the wind. It is fueling the spread of this fire.”
Videos shared on social media showed flames rising into the sky and thick black smoke billowing above the roads.
Air National Guard helicopters were seen dropping water to help contain the blaze.
The Town of Southampton issued a warning in the afternoon urging against recreational fires due to the high wildfire risk, coinciding with the appearance of the videos.
Governor Hochul stated that the National Guard was providing support by air and collaborating with local law enforcement.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to ensure the safety of Long Islanders,” she said.
In her remarks to News 12, Hochul refrained from giving an estimate on the size of the fire, only noting that it was spreading rapidly.
Preliminary satellite data suggested that the fire and smoke covered approximately 2.5 miles (3 kilometers) along Sunrise Highway.
Police closed a portion of the highway, a key route to the East End of Long Island.
The fires burned near Francis S. Gabreski Airport, where the National Guard deployed at least one helicopter. One of the commercial buildings that was partially damaged was located near the airport.
As a precaution, personnel at the base began evacuating around 1:45 p.m., according to spokesman Cheran Cambell.