Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency as Crews Battle Multiple Brush Fires on Long Island Amid Challenging Weather Conditions

Crews were actively engaged in combating multiple brush fires on Long Island, New York, on Saturday, as reported by local authorities. The National Weather Service had issued a special weather statement for New York City and Long Island, highlighting the potential for rapid fire spread due to low relative humidity levels around 30 percent and northwest winds gusting between 30 to 35 mph. These conditions contributed to an increased risk of fire outbreaks in the region.

In response to the situation, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in Suffolk County, Long Island, particularly focusing on the Pine Barrens area. The declaration was made public through a statement on the social media platform X. The governor’s decision was aimed at mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts to manage and contain the fires effectively.

The initial fire reportedly ignited around 1 p.m. in Center Moriches and subsequently spread to nearby areas, including East Moriches, Eastport, and Westhampton. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine provided updates during a press conference, confirming that the fires in Center Moriches, East Moriches, and Eastport had been successfully extinguished. Efforts were ongoing to contain the fire in Westhampton, which was reported to be 50% under control.

Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman emphasized the collaborative efforts of local fire departments and emergency services in addressing the situation. The weather conditions posed significant challenges, but the coordinated response aimed to mitigate the impact and prevent further spread of the fires. Residents were advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines as firefighting operations continued.