Brush Fire on Eastern Long Island: Latest Updates and Safety Measures

NEW YORK – On Saturday, a fast-moving brush fire fueled by dry conditions and strong winds spread rapidly across Eastern Long Island, necessitating extensive firefighting efforts and resulting in significant traffic disruptions on Sunrise Highway. As of Sunday morning, the situation has improved, with the fire largely contained.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine remarked at a press conference, “This was a very big fire that could have created very big problems if not for all of us coming together.”

State of Emergency Declared

In response to the fire, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County and imposed a comprehensive burn ban. This ban, effective until March 16, prohibits outdoor fires including those for cooking, debris disposal, and uncontrolled campfires. However, smaller fire pits under three feet in diameter remain permitted.

Current Fire Status

As of Sunday morning, 80% of the fire is reportedly contained, with officials stating that there are no visible flames remaining. Rudy Sunderman, the Suffolk County Commissioner of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, confirmed that the fire has been “100% knocked down,” indicating successful suppression efforts.

Initial assessments reveal that around 600 acres have been impacted by the blaze, with two commercial buildings sustaining damage; fortunately, no private residences were destroyed and evacuation measures were deemed unnecessary. However, injuries were reported, with one firefighter flown to a hospital for facial burns.

Firefighters stand as the Sunrise Wildfire burns in 1995 at the Westhampton Transfer Station, Southampton, New York. (Photo by Bill Davis/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

Forecast and Continued Threats

The forecast predicts that wind gusts could reach up to 40 miles per hour, potentially reigniting old flames in the area. As firefighters and emergency personnel continue their work, the situation remains critical but under control.

Interactive Fire and Smoke Mapping

For those interested in real-time updates, the National Interagency Fire Center and NASA offer interactive fire maps to monitor active incidents. You can find these resources at AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map and NASA’s FIRMS map.

Response Efforts and Highway Impact

Over 90 fire departments and emergency service organizations deployed more than 600 personnel to combat the blaze. The fire affected roughly 2.5 miles along Sunrise Highway, resulting in temporary closures of this vital route.

Amidst the firefighting efforts, the National Guard provided aerial support using helicopters from the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, where the proximity of the fire posed an imminent hazard.

Investigation into Fire Origin

Investigative efforts are underway to determine the cause of the fires. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina stated, “At this time it’s too early to tell whether or not this fire started naturally or there’s some nefarious origin.”

As the situation evolves, public safety remains a top priority for officials, as emphasized by Governor Hochul, who confirms a commitment to keeping the Long Island community safe.