Long Island Brush Fires: Crews Battle Massive Flames in Westhampton Beach

Firefighting Efforts on Long Island

• 🚒 Suffolk County firefighters worked through the night to gain control of stubborn brush fires.
• 💨 Progress is being made, but high winds are hindering containment efforts, with officials hoping for increased humidity.

Fire Origins and Spread

• 📍 The fires started around 1:00 PM in Center Moriches and spread to Westhampton Beach, fueled by high winds and low humidity.
• 🚗 Smoke from the fires was visible for miles along Sunrise Highway, forcing hundreds of drivers to reroute.

Impact and Emergency Declaration

• ⚠️ Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the towns of Southampton and Suffolk County due to the fires.
• 🏠 While no homes were threatened and no fatalities occurred, two commercial structures were damaged.
• 🤕 One firefighter was hospitalized with second-degree burns to the face, and two firefighters sustained minor injuries.

Current Status and Containment Hopes

• 🗺️ The largest fire in Westhampton Beach was measured at 2 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.
• ✅ Three out of four brush fires are extinguished, with the main fire in Westhampton Beach 80% contained as of last night.
• ⏱️ Officials are surveying the area for remaining hot spots and are hopeful for 100% containment by the end of the day, weather permitting.