Four wildfires broke out on the edge of the Hamptons on Saturday, causing panic among residents and leading Governor Hochul to declare a state of emergency. She warned that the dangerous situation could potentially last for multiple days. The fires, located in Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport, and Westhampton, quickly spread across parts of Long Island’s East End, filling the sky with thick black smoke and posing a threat to homes in various communities. Smoke from the fires could be seen from different locations, prompting evacuations and causing disruptions to major routes.
Governor Hochul expressed concerns about the evolving situation, particularly regarding air quality and the challenges posed by shifting winds. One individual sustained injuries and had to be hospitalized for second-degree burns, while efforts to contain the fires involved the deployment of Blackhawk helicopters and the distribution of N95 masks to address the compromised air quality. Residents described the scene as catastrophic, with flames reaching significant heights and proving difficult to control due to the windy conditions.
Authorities were investigating the cause of the fires, with some reports suggesting a car accident may have triggered one of them. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine emphasized the role of wind in exacerbating the situation, leading to widespread damage and injuries among firefighters. Despite efforts to contain the fires, which had spread over a sizable area, challenges remained as helicopters continued to drop water in an attempt to extinguish the flames.
Governor Hochul’s state of emergency declaration mobilized National Guard helicopters to support Suffolk County, with various state agencies collaborating closely with local partners to manage the crisis effectively. The situation was described as dynamic and ongoing, requiring vigilant monitoring and coordinated assistance to protect lives and property in the affected areas.
Governor Hochul shared her commitment to providing support and resources to first responders to ensure the safety of communities impacted by the fire. Over 90 agencies, including more than 40 fire departments, were present at the scene. Hochul pledged to coordinate assistance for Long Island residents, with reports even coming from as far as Fairfield, Connecticut, where people could see the flames from across the water. Witnessing the smoke while walking their dog, a resident mentioned that initially, they thought it might be a boat on fire.
The fire, which crossed County Road 51 in Manorville, resulted in flames and black smoke billowing in the area. Additional fires were reported in the Pine Barrens and near Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton, leading to the closure of Sunrise Highway in both directions. This closure affected the major access road to the exclusive parts of the Hamptons to the east.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico shared aerial footage showing the extent of the wildfires and the ensuing smoke, expressing gratitude to the firefighters and first responders for their efforts. This incident triggered memories of the Sunrise Fire of 1995, which destroyed 4,500 acres of pine barrens and several homes before being contained by firefighters from across the state.
