Wildfires erupted on Long Island’s Hamptons region on Saturday afternoon, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, Long Island officials reported. Authorities stated that four fires had scorched an area approximately 3 miles by 1 mile near Westhampton alongside a New York highway in Suffolk County. The fires prompted the closure of a section of the Sunrise Highway and a service road, according to the state Department of Transportation’s social media posts. The cause of the fires remains unknown.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York declared a state of emergency, with the state National Guard offering helicopter air support and collaborating with local law enforcement. County Supervisor Ed Romaine expressed concerns about the fires reigniting due to persistent winds. Several structures, including a building near the Francis S. Gabreski county airport, suffered partial damage. One firefighter sustained facial burns and was hospitalized at Stony Brook University Hospital’s Burn Center.
As of Saturday evening, three fires had been extinguished, with one fire at 50% containment. There was no definitive timeline for full containment. Despite the fires burning close to roads and drivers, officials reassured that there was no immediate threat to homes. Dry weather, low humidity, and woodland damage from a southern pine beetle infestation have heightened the wildfire risk in the area, prompting a local emergency declaration from Southhampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore.
The National Weather Service office in New York issued warnings of elevated fire risk early Saturday morning due to low humidity and high wind gusts. The NWS advised extreme caution with potential ignition sources such as machinery, cigarettes, and matches, as fires could spread rapidly. Additionally, New York City firefighters responded to a separate brush fire in Brooklyn on Saturday afternoon.
Governor Hochul acknowledged concerns about air quality, emphasizing that the situation is still developing. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
