S'mores Mishap Sparks Weekend Wildfires in Eastern Suffolk County

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK (PNN) – A family’s attempt to enjoy a backyard fire while making s’mores unintentionally ignited a series of wildfires that rapidly spread across eastern Suffolk County over the weekend, burning hundreds of acres in the pine barrens, officials confirmed Monday.

According to Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, the fires were accidentally sparked by a Center Moriches family using cardboard to light their fire. Gusty winds carried embers from the backyard, setting off a chain reaction of blazes that firefighters battled throughout Saturday.

The most significant of the four fires, located in Westhampton, consumed a vast portion of the pine barrens but is now fully contained, county and law enforcement officials announced at a news conference in Shirley. A second fire in Eastport, which burned 33 acres, is expected to be completely contained by Monday afternoon as crews continue extinguishing hot spots.

Authorities are reminding residents to exercise caution when using open flames outdoors, especially in dry and windy conditions, to prevent future fires. The incident remains under review, but officials have not indicated any criminal charges at this time.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday issued an immediate burn ban for Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley, prohibiting all outdoor brush or debris burning, as well as uncontained campfires and open-fire cooking.