Brush fires on New York’s Long Island erupted Saturday, forcing evacuations in the Hamptons and shutting down a major highway as thick smoke billowed for miles, fueled by low humidity and gusty winds, heightening concerns for residents and emergency crews.
Fire crews from various departments are tackling blazes located close to Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton and within the Pine Barrens area and in a “large-scale coordinated countywide effort,” Southampton emergency management told Newsday.
Videos circulating online captured towering plumes of smoke stretching for miles after brush fires erupted, shutting down a major route to the Hamptons.
Sharing a post on X, Governor Kathy Hochul stated: “New York State agencies are responding to a brush fire in the Pine Barrens. We are in close communication with local partners on Long Island to coordinate assistance and make sure they have the resources they need to protect their communities.”
Authorities blocked access to a portion of the highway, which serves as a primary route to Long Island’s East End, with law enforcement officials requesting the public to avoid the area.
Governor Kathy Hochul also enacted emergency measures and confirmed state authorities were addressing the fires near the Pine Barrens, a forested region containing residential communities situated east of New York City.
“This is still out of control at this moment,” Hochul told Long Island TV station News 12. “We’re seeing people having to be evacuated from the Westhampton area,” she added, noting potential additional evacuations.
Southampton authorities issued an afternoon advisory against recreational fires due to elevated wildfire risks, coinciding with the emergence of video footage.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” she continued.
According to NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System, preliminary satellite information showed fire and smoke extending approximately 2.5 miles (3 kilometers) along Sunrise Highway.
