Incident Overview

According to Suffolk County Police, a brush fire was likely ignited by a homeowner attempting to create a fire for making s’mores on Saturday morning. After struggling to light the fire due to windy conditions, the individual resorted to using cardboard, which subsequently led to the fire spreading in the backyard.

This fire was reported extinguished by around 10:30 a.m., but by 12:57 p.m., a larger brush fire was reported just an eighth of a mile away, indicating a quick and dangerous spread.

Fire Containment Efforts

Meredith Gorman from FOX 5 NY has stated that all four fires that had sprung up near the Hamptons were reported to be 100% contained as of Sunday. Fire crews continued to monitor the area in Westhampton to extinguish any remaining hotspots exacerbated by dry and windy conditions.

Fueled by low humidity and strong winds, the infernos ignited at approximately 1 p.m. and consumed more than 600 acres of land. Fortunately, residential properties were largely spared, though some commercial structures suffered considerable damage. The two firefighters injured in the fights against the flames have since been discharged from the hospital.

Government Response

In response to the emergency, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County, alongside a burn ban that prohibits outdoor fires for brush disposal, uncontained campfires, and cooking fires until March 16. Small fire pits, under three feet in width, remain permissible.

To combat the fires, multiple state and local agencies were activated, with air support provided by helicopters from the New York National Guard.

Investigation into the Fire’s Origin

Current investigations are focused on determining whether the fires were set unintentionally or intentionally, noting that the absence of lightning in the area at the time suggests human activity as the primary cause. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina mentioned that 25 detectives are involved in the inquiry, utilizing drones and aerial support to pinpoint the fire’s origin.

Officials aim to uncover the exact cause of the fire within the next few days, emphasizing the collective effort that prevented a larger disaster. “This was a very big fire that could have created very big problems if not for all of us coming together,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

Staying Informed

For ongoing updates regarding wildfires, you can access the interactive Fire and Smoke Map via AirNow. The National Interagency Fire Center has also collaborated with NASA to provide real-time interactive fire maps.