New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Explained a state of emergency on Saturday when crews fought against growing brush fires on Long Island.
The first fire started around 1 p.m. in the Centrum Moriches in Suffolk County before it spread and led to extra fires in East Moriches, Eastport and Westhampton. The fires in Centrum Moriches, East Moriches and Eastport are extinguished, while the fire in Westhampton is 50%.
The state of emergency of the governor is for Suffolk County.
The State National Guard has four helicopters that drop water and a C-130 plane supports air monitoring, said the Governor’s office. Numerous government agencies offer support, including the use of drones, traffic management and staff.
175 forest fires in North and South Carolina force some evacuations
Smoke from Fires on Long Island in New York, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, seen from Southampton, New York. (Andrew Tallon via AP)
The Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, State Parks and the New York State Police are among the agencies that offer support.
“We use resources as quickly as possible and I have mobilized our agencies, the National Guard and the State Police to offer air and root aid to ensure that we keep our Long Islanders safe,” Hochul said in a statement.
“I have explained a state of emergency to secure immediately resources,” she continued. “This is an evolving situation and air quality is a care – New Yorkers must check the latest emergency reports and prepare to evacuate if necessary.”
Hochul said that 100,000 N95 masks will be sent to the affected area on Sunday morning.
Forest fires are scorching the Carolinas, SC -Gouverneur McMaster explains emergency standings
Smoke from the fires in the Pine Barrens of Sunrise Highway in Long Island in New York, on Saturday, March 8, 2025. (Cheran Campbell/New York Air National Guard via AP)
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said on a press conference on Saturday afternoon that a firefighter suffered burns on the face and was flown to the Burn Center in Stony Brook University Hospital, but officials said it went well, according to CBS News.
Two commercial buildings were Damaged by flamesAccording to Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman.
Residents are currently not in the fire line, but officials warned that people in the neighborhood should be prepared in case evacuations are necessary.
Smoke from Fires on Long Island in New York, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, seen from Southampton, New York. (Andrew Tallon via AP)
Click here to get the Fox News app
The cause of the first fire is currently unclear, but officials say that strong wind has helped to spread.
Predictions indicate that isolated gusts of wind up to 40 miles per hour are expected up to and including Sunday evening. The gusts would baptize a little at night before they pick up again on Sunday morning.
Stains between 30 and 40 mph combined with dry fuels and low humidity levels will lead to a constant risk of natural fire development, according to CBS News. A slight increase in humidity and a dive in wind speeds will weaken the natural fire risk for next week.
