Wind-Driven Wildfires Ravage 600 Acres on Long Island, Prompts State of Emergency
LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK (PNN) - The last of the four wildfires that erupted on Long Island over the weekend, scorching 600 acres near the Hamptons, is now fully contained, officials confirmed Sunday. However, firefighters remain on high alert as smaller hot spots continue to smolder, posing a risk of reignition.
The final blaze, which had reached 80% containment by Saturday night, has since been brought under control, according to Mike Martino, a spokesman for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. While the immediate danger appears to have passed, emergency crews are still monitoring the area, working diligently to extinguish any remaining embers.
Image by Michael Serrell
The wildfires, which ignited just after 1 p.m. on Saturday, spread rapidly, at one point stretching 2 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. Fierce winds initially threatened to push the flames toward the neighboring communities, but no homes or businesses were damaged, Martino said.
Over 90 emergency agencies, including local fire departments, EMS teams, and the Air National Guard, responded to the flames that broke out in Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport and Westhampton. The fires forced road closures on major routes leading to the Hamptons and led to temporary evacuations as a precaution.
One of the most unique firefighting efforts involved the Rocky Point Fire Department, which deployed a World War II-era "deuce and a half" military cargo truck into the Pine Barrens. The vehicle was used to traverse rough terrain, allowing crews to locate and extinguish lingering hot spots deep within the deep wooded area. Six firefighters from the North Shore Beach Black Sheep Squadron manned the historic truck, spraying water onto smoldering trees to prevent further flare-ups.
Image by Michael Serrell
The blazes occurred in areas known for their dense vegetation. Experts say that dry conditions and high winds likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fires. Officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the initial ignition.
With the immediate threat subsiding, attention now turns to fire prevention measures. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or rekindled flames.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the fires’ origins in the coming days. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to any advisories issued by local officials.
