Amid low humidity and high winds creating dangerous fire conditions, multiple wildfires broke out on Long Island, New York on Saturday (March 8th), forcing the closure of sections of a highway in Suffolk County, including parts of Sunrise Highway.
Officials warned that the strong winds and dry conditions fueled the flames, which remained uncontrolled, posing ongoing danger.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Saturday afternoon, mobilizing the National Guard and various state agencies to provide support. She took to social media stating, “We are in close communication with local partners on Long Island, coordinating assistance to ensure they have the resources needed to protect the community.”
Authorities have shut down Route 27, Sunrise Highway, and Montauk Highway, with personnel battling the large fires.
During a press conference on Saturday evening, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine reported that a firefighter was hospitalized with second-degree facial burns. Two buildings were also destroyed in the blaze. Romaine mentioned, “We are deploying all firefighting capability to prevent the spread of the fire, working hard to contain it,” but due to the strong winds, the large fire is expected to be fully extinguished by Sunday.
An official disclosed that on Saturday, dozens of agencies were combating multiple fires spreading to coastal areas. Emergency responders are taking extensive measures, urging residents to be cautious and avoid ignition sources.
Some have drawn parallels between this disaster and the major fire in the area in 1995, which consumed 4,500 acres of land, forcing hundreds to evacuate.
Meteorologists caution that gusts of up to 35 mph and low humidity are creating extremely high fire risks, making firefighting efforts challenging.