NEW YORK (AP) – Fast-moving bush fires fuelled by strong winds swept across a large stretch of land on Long Island, New York sending thick plumes of grey smoke into the air and forcing the evacuation of a military base while a major highway was shut down.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and confirmed that state agencies were responding to the fires, which were burning near the Pine Barrens – a wooded area located east of New York City, home to several commuter towns. She warned that homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse were at risk, and further evacuations could be necessary.
“This fire is still out of control,” told Hochul. “We are evacuating people from the Westhampton area as we speak.”
Officials reported that three of the four fires had been fully contained, though the fire in Westhampton was only 50 per cent under control. Two commercial buildings had been partially damaged, but authorities confirmed that no homes were currently in the direct path of the flames.
One fire-fighter was transported to the hospital with facial burns, while local authorities struggled to control the blaze. “The wind is our biggest challenge,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “It’s driving this fire.”
Videos circulating on social media showed towering flames and massive columns of black smoke rising above the roads, while Air National Guard helicopters worked to douse the flames with water. To reduce wildfire risks, the Town of Southampton issued a warning against starting recreational fires as the situation escalated.
Governor Hochul emphasised the state’s commitment to safety in a statement, noting that the National Guard was assisting with helicopter support and collaborating with local law enforcement.
“The safety of the public is my top priority, and I am dedicated to doing everything possible to protect Long Islanders,” she said.
Despite the intensity of the situation, Hochul refrained from providing an estimate of the fire’s extent, only confirming that the flames were spreading rapidly.
Satellite imagery suggested the fire and smoke stretched over roughly 4.02 kilometres along Sunrise Highway, according to NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System. As a result, authorities closed a section of Sunrise Highway, a key route to the East End of Long Island. The fires were burning near Francis S Gabreski Airport, where the National Guard had deployed helicopters.
One of the partially burned commercial buildings was also located near the airport.
Personnel at the base were evacuated as a precautionary measure, according to spokesman Cheran Cambell.
