Long Island Wildfires Force Evacuations, Highway Closures

Long Island Wildfires Force Evacuations, Highway Closures \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Fast-moving brush fires tore through Long Island on Saturday, fueled by strong winds, prompting the evacuation of a military base, the closure of a major highway, and a state of emergency declaration by Gov. Kathy Hochul. While three of the four fires were contained, the Westhampton blaze remained 50% contained. A firefighter suffered burn injuries, and commercial buildings were damaged, but homes remained safe. The National Guard and Air National Guard helicopters were deployed to combat the growing inferno.

Long Island Wildfires: Quick Look

• State of Emergency Declared – Gov. Kathy Hochul mobilized state agencies as fires spread.
• Fires Fueled by High Winds – Strong gusts pushed flames across Suffolk County, worsening conditions.
• Military Base Evacuated – Personnel at Francis S. Gabreski Airport were ordered to leave as a precaution.
• Sunrise Highway Shut Down – A major section of Long Island’s East End highway was closed due to fire risk.
• Firefighter Injured – One firefighter suffered facial burns and was airlifted to a hospital.
• Buildings Damaged – Two commercial structures near the airport sustained partial fire damage.
• Air National Guard Deployed – Helicopters dropped thousands of gallons of water on active fire zones.
• Westhampton Fire Still Burning – Three of the four fires are fully contained, while one remains 50% controlled.
• Residents Warned – Officials urged no recreational fires as dry conditions increase fire risk.
• Air Quality Concerns – Residents were warned about smoke inhalation risks in surrounding areas.

Deep Look

A series of fast-moving wildfires tore through New York’s Long Island on Saturday, scorching thousands of acres of land, forcing the evacuation of a National Guard base, and prompting the closure of Sunrise Highway, a critical roadway to the region’s East End.

The fires, fueled by powerful winds, sent thick gray smoke billowing into the sky, with flames visible for miles. The situation became severe enough for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency, mobilizing state and local agencies to combat the growing disaster.

“This is still out of control at this moment,” Hochul said in an interview with News 12 Long Island. “We’re seeing people having to be evacuated from the Westhampton area. More evacuations may be necessary.”

How the Fires Started and Spread

The blazes erupted in multiple locations across Suffolk County, particularly within the Pine Barrens, a heavily wooded region east of New York City known for its high wildfire risk.

Four separate fires were reported throughout the day. By Saturday evening:

• Three fires were fully contained by emergency crews.
• The largest fire, near Westhampton, remained 50% contained, continuing to threaten commercial buildings and infrastructure.

Firefighters described a challenging battle due to strong winds that rapidly spread the flames, making containment efforts difficult.

“Our biggest problem is the wind,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “It is driving this fire.”

Evacuations at Francis S. Gabreski Airport

One of the most concerning developments was the fire’s proximity to Francis S. Gabreski Airport, a key National Guard base.

“Personnel at the base were ordered to evacuate as a precaution starting at 1:45 p.m.,” National Guard spokesman Cheran Cambell confirmed.

The fires burned dangerously close to the military installation, forcing units stationed at the base to relocate temporarily.

The airport also served as a launch point for aerial firefighting efforts, with Air National Guard helicopters conducting water drops over active fire zones.

Sunrise Highway Shut Down Amid Fire Response

As the fires grew in intensity, emergency responders made the decision to shut down portions of Sunrise Highway, a major thoroughfare connecting Long Island’s eastern towns and villages.

Satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System indicated that fire and smoke extended over 2.5 miles along the highway, making it unsafe for travel.

Firefighter Injuries and Structural Damage

While no residential homes were directly impacted, the fires caused significant damage to commercial properties:

• Two commercial buildings sustained partial fire damage near Gabreski Airport.
• One firefighter suffered burns to the face and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Fire officials emphasized that while homes were not immediately at risk, the situation could have worsened if winds shifted unpredictably.

Aerial and Ground Firefighting Efforts

As conditions continued to deteriorate, firefighting teams from across Suffolk County were deployed to contain the blazes. The Air National Guard launched helicopters to dump thousands of gallons of water onto burning areas.

In addition, emergency officials coordinated a ground-based attack, using fire engines and tanker trucks to battle the flames along roadways and within dense wooded areas.

“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” Hochul said in a statement.

Warnings and Public Safety Alerts

In response to the escalating fire danger, local officials in Southampton issued a public warning, urging residents to avoid starting recreational fires due to the extreme wildfire risk.

Videos posted on social media captured dramatic images of flames shooting into the sky and massive plumes of black smoke engulfing highways and neighborhoods.

Residents expressed concern over worsening fire conditions, with some stating they could smell the smoke from miles away.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Beyond immediate property damage, the wildfires have raised concerns about air quality in the region. Officials warned that residents with respiratory conditions should take precautions due to elevated smoke levels in the air.

Additionally, environmental specialists will need to assess the long-term impact of the fires on the fragile Pine Barrens ecosystem, home to rare plant and animal species.

What Happens Next?

Fire crews will continue monitoring hot spots and working to fully contain the remaining blaze in Westhampton.

Key concerns moving forward:

1. Containment of the last active fire – Officials estimate it is currently 50% under control.
2. Investigation into the cause of the fires – Officials will analyze weather conditions and human activity to determine what sparked the blazes.
3. Evaluating damage and rebuilding efforts – Commercial property owners will assess financial losses and insurance claims.
4. Air quality monitoring – Health officials will issue guidance if smoke-related concerns persist.

For now, Long Island remains on high alert, with fire crews, the National Guard, and emergency personnel actively working to prevent further destruction.

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