Brush fires have broken out in Long Island and near Brooklyn due to strong winds in New York, which have increased the risk of fire spread on Saturday, as reported by the National Weather Service. A special weather statement was in effect on Saturday in New York City and Long Island, where a combination of low humidity around 30 percent and northwest winds gusting up to 30 to 35 mph can lead to rapid fire spread, according to the weather service. The area affected by this heightened fire risk includes southeastern New York state, northern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut, encompassing Long Island and all five boroughs of New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in Suffolk County on Long Island on Saturday due to the brush fires in the Pine Barrens.
Governor Hochul offered emergency resources and support to Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. New York National Guard helicopter crews were assisting firefighters on the ground, and state agencies were mobilized to combat the wildfires. Romaine reported that Suffolk County had experienced four wildfires, three of which were fully contained, while one in Westampton had 50% containment. The largest fire was approximately 2 miles long and over 2 miles wide, resulting in injuries to two individuals and damage to two structures.
Southampton’s town supervisor, Maria Z. Moore, also declared a state of emergency, attributing the fires near Westhampton along Sunrise Highway to windy conditions, dry ground, and damage from a Southern Pine Beetle infestation. Officials expressed concerns that more fires could ignite due to the elevated threat posed by weather and vegetation. Responders from 40 fire departments, including Islip and Wyandanch, were dispatched to assist in the emergency response.
In Brooklyn, a fire in Gerritsen Beach near Marine Park was under control by early evening, as shown in videos on social media. No injuries were reported, and both FDNY Marine Units and the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department provided assistance alongside a New York Police Department helicopter using a “Bambi bucket” for water drops on the flames.
Highway NY27 and the South Service Road have been closed due to wildfires, and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Strong winds are increasing the fire risk in the region. The weather service has issued a fire weather forecast indicating gusts of up to 30 mph through Sunday and dry conditions persisting until at least Monday. Wind advisories are in place until Saturday night. Approximately 7 million people in New England, including Boston and Albany, New York, are under wind alerts. The weather service has cautioned the public to be careful with potential ignition sources such as machinery, cigarettes, and matches, as any fires that start could spread rapidly. The cause of the fires is currently unknown, and there have been no reports of injuries.
