New York brush fires: Governor declares state of emergency for wind-driven brush fire on Long Island

In New York, fast-moving brush fires fueled by strong winds swept through a vast area of Long Island on Saturday. The fires sent dense gray smoke into the air, leading to the evacuation of a military base and the shutdown of a major highway.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and stated that state agencies were taking action to address the fires in the Pine Barrens, a forested region housing commuter towns to the east of New York City. Hochul expressed concerns about the potential threat to homes, a chemical plant, and an Amazon warehouse, emphasizing the possibility of further evacuations.

“The situation is still beyond our control at this point,” Hochul informed a Long Island TV network, News 12. “We are witnessing the need to evacuate individuals from the Westhampton vicinity.”

Officials said three of the four fires were fully contained, with the fire in Westhampton 50% contained. Two commercial buildings were partially burned, but officials said homes were not in the line of fire.

One firefighter was flown to a hospital to be treated for burns to the face.

“Our biggest problem is the wind,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “It is driving this fire.”

Videos posted to social media showed flames shooting into the air and columns of black smoke rising above roads.

Air National Guard helicopters dropped water on the flames.

The Town of Southampton issued a warning in the afternoon against starting recreational fires due to the wildfire risk. That came around the time that the videos began appearing.

In a statement, Hochul said the National Guard was providing support by helicopter and working with local law enforcement.

“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” she said.

In her comments to News 12, Hochul declined to estimate the extent of the flames, saying only that they were growing rapidly.

Rough satellite data indicated that fire and smoke stretched roughly 2.5 miles (3 kilometers) along Sunrise Highway, according to NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System.

Police closed a section of the highway, which is a thoroughfare to the East End of Long Island.

The fires raged near the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, from which the National Guard launched at least one helicopter. One of the commercial buildings that partially burned was near the airport.

Personnel at the base evacuated as a precautionary measure starting around 1:45 p.m., spokesman Cheran Cambell said in a statement.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
‘The Bear’s Liza Colón-Zayas (And Tina) Deserved Better From Season 4

Liza Colón-Zayas And Tina Deserved Better Treatment in Season 4 of The Bear

I lost track of how many times I thought about the phrase,…
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, whose multimillion-dollar ministry was toppled by prostitution scandals, has died at 90

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, known for a scandal involving prostitution, passes away at 90

BATON ROUGE, La. — Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, whose multimillion-dollar ministry and huge…
Russia claims gains in Ukraine as US attention focuses on Iran war

Russia reports progress in Ukraine while US shifts focus to potential conflict with Iran

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Russia stated on Monday…
Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, Trump says

Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 60-day ceasefire

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Israel and Hamas have come…
Journalist arrested while covering anti-Trump protest granted bail amid deportation battle

Bail Granted to Journalist Arrested at Anti-Trump Protest amid Deportation Battle

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Georgia immigration judge…
LA officials charge over 40 anti-ICE protesters who allegedly assaulted officers, horses and threatened child

Los Angeles officials press charges against more than 40 protesters opposing ICE, accused of assaulting officers, horses, and endangering a child

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Officials in Los Angeles…
Military-trained dad accused of killing daughters nears 3 weeks living in wilderness amid manhunt

Authorities struggle to find survivalist father as search intensifies: Emotions running high

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The search for the…
Michigan teacher, 26, facing charges after allegedly telling coworker she had sex with 16-year-old student

“A 26-Year-Old Michigan Teacher in Legal Trouble for Allegedly Discussing Sexual Relationship with 16-Year-Old Student with Coworker”

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A former teacher at…
‘Dancing With The Stars’ Adds ‘Mormon Wives’ Stars Whitney Leavitt And Jen Affleck To Season 34

Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck from ‘Mormon Wives’ Join Season 34 of ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Two Mormon women who were featured in the show “Secret Lives of…
Charles Leto, lifeguard charged in Douglass Park, Chicago shooting of Marjay Dotson, Jeremy Herred, resigns: Chicago Park District

“Lifeguard Charged in Douglass Park Shooting Resigns from Chicago Park District”

In CHICAGO (WLS), the Chicago Park District has initiated an inquiry following…
Trump sets new deadline for Gaza ceasefire as Israel's Netanyahu plans White House visit

New Deadline Set by Trump for Gaza Ceasefire Ahead of Netanyahu’s White House Visit

Donald Trump is insisting on a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza to…
‘The Old Guard’ Recap: What To Remember From ‘The Old Guard’ Before You Watch ‘The Old Guard 2’

Recap of ‘The Old Guard’: Key Points to Recall Before Watching ‘The Old Guard 2’

It’s been a long five years, but The Old Guard 2 release…