New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared an emergency on Saturday as the crew fought a growing brush fire on Long Island.
The first fire began around 1pm at Centre Moritches in Suffolk County and then spread, causing additional fires in East Moritches, Eastport and West Hampton. Fires in Central Moritches, East Moritches and Eastport have disappeared while the West Hampton fires included 50%.
The governor's emergency is for Suffolk County.
Four helicopters drop water in the National Guard, and C-130 aircraft are helping with air surveillance, the Governor's Office said. Many state agencies provide support, including drones, traffic management and personnel use.
175 wildfires in Northern Carolina and South Carolina force some evacuations
Smoke from a fire on Long Island, New York, on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, seen from Southampton, New York. (Andrew Tallon via AP)
The state's Emergency Management Agency, Fire Prevention Agency, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, State Parks and New York State Police are among the agencies that provide assistance.
“We deployed resources as quickly as possible, mobilizing our agencies, the National Guard and state police to provide air and ground support to keep our long-standing islanders safe,” Hochul said in a statement.
“I declared a state of emergency to secure resources right away,” she continued. “This is an evolving situation, and air quality is a concern. New Yorkers need to monitor the latest emergency warnings and prepare to evacuate if necessary.”
Hochul said 100,000 N95 masks will be sent to the shock area on Sunday morning.
Wildfire Coach Carolina, SC Governor McMaster declares emergency
Smoke from a fire from a pine muzzle from the sunrise highway on Long Island, New York, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (Cheran Campbell/New York Air National Guerd via AP)
Suffolk County executive Ed Romain said at a press conference Saturday afternoon that one firefighter suffered a burn in the face and flew to the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, but officials said he was fine, according to CBS News.
Two commercial buildings were damaged by the flames, according to Suffolk County Fire Forces, Rescue and Paramedic Commander Rudy Sanderman.
Residents are currently not in the fire line, but officials warned that nearby people should be prepared in case evacuation is needed.
Smoke from a fire on Long Island, New York, on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, seen from Southampton, New York. (Andrew Tallon via AP)
Click here to get the Fox News app
The cause of the initial fire is currently unknown, but authorities say strong winds helped it spread.
The forecast shows that isolated wind power is expected to reach 40 mph by Sunday evening. The gust of wind was predicted to soak overnight before picking up again on Sunday morning.
According to CBS News, gusts of 30-40 mph, combined with dry fuel and low humidity levels, lead to the continued risk of wildfire development throughout the weekend. A slight increase in humidity levels and a drop in wind speed will weaken the risk of wildfires next week.
