Authorities are probing the possibility of arson as the cause of several brush fires that erupted over the weekend on Long Island, New York. The flames, driven by strong winds, injured two firefighters and created significant smoke plumes visible across the region. As conditions remain precarious with increasing wind speeds expected Sunday afternoon, officials stress the need for vigilance.
Investigation Underway
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina announced that investigators are working diligently to determine whether the fires were ignited naturally or through intentional means. “It’s too early for us to tell if this was a natural occurrence or something nefarious,” Catalina told reporters.
To assist in the investigation, over two dozen detectives are conducting interviews with individuals who reported the fires and utilizing drones for aerial assessments of the affected areas. Helicopters equipped with arson detectives are also being deployed to gather further intelligence. “We’re going to get to the bottom of what happened,” Catalina vowed.
Fire Conditions Deteriorate
The situation remains critical as sustained winds on Long Island are projected between 10-20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30-35 mph throughout Sunday. This weather pattern, combined with dry conditions, poses a formidable challenge for firefighting efforts. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine noted he received numerous calls from officials offering support, including from the White House, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, and others. “I’ve got to tell you, impressive,” Romaine remarked during an interview with CNN.
Fire crews have been battling at least four separate brush fires that ignited Saturday afternoon. According to Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Rudy Sunderman, the rapid spread of these fires posed great challenges for responders. Fortunately, no residents were directly threatened, but two firefighters sustained injuries, one suffering from second-degree burns to his face. Both injured firefighters have since been treated and released from local hospitals.
Improved Containment Efforts
By Sunday morning, fire crews had successfully contained nearly a quarter of the remaining fire in Westhampton. “The fire has not grown in size since 6 a.m.,” stated Lewis Scott, second assistant chief of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department. However, concerns linger regarding the potential for flare-ups. Romaine emphasized, “We’re concerned because the winds are still blowing, that might spark up again.”
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the escalating situation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Saturday, warning that the fires could persist for multiple days. She highlighted the proximity of the blazes to populated areas, specifically noting that Riverhead is just three miles away from the nature preserve engulfed in flames. “All those images of what happened in the Palisades are so front and center in our minds,” she said, recalling California’s recent devastating wildfires. “We need to be proactive, preventative, and try to stop the worst from occurring with all the power that we have.”
Romaine echoed the governor’s sentiments, attributing much of the fire’s intensity to the relentless wind conditions. During a press briefing, he dramatically removed his hat, saying, “Our biggest problem is this wind… it’s driving this fire.”
As the fires approached structures near the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, personnel were evacuated as a precautionary measure starting Saturday afternoon. Hochul affirmed her confidence in the coordinated response efforts, stating, “We are prepared for this, and we have 80 agencies and firefighting crews working to put up a wet line, which is our best defense against this spreading now.”
Outdoor Burn Ban Enforced
On Sunday, Hochul implemented a burn ban across Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley to mitigate fire risks. Those found violating the ban may face fines of up to $500 for first offenses. Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon reported that at least 50 deputy sheriffs have been deployed to provide protection against the advancing brush fires.
The current crisis evokes memories of the 1995 Sunrise Fire, which ravaged more than 5,000 acres of the Pine Barrens and displaced hundreds of residents. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico expressed confidence in the ongoing response: “We are in this together, and that’s why this is not going to become the fire of ’95.”
Community Impact
Residents throughout Suffolk County experienced the impact of the fires firsthand. Lauren Stiles reported that her family began to smell smoke inside their home around 1 p.m. Saturday. Upon investigation, they discovered their entire neighborhood surrounded by smoke. “I didn’t realize I captured at least three separate smoke plumes,” Stiles recounted while shooting video of the situation.
She expressed gratitude for the volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies across Long Island. “We are very grateful to Long Island’s volunteer firefighters who keep our communities safe,” Stiles emphasized.
Conditions remain highly volatile as fire crews continue to combat the surging flames fueled by strong winds, underscoring the urgent need for community vigilance and preparedness.
