Long Island Brush Fires Spark Emergency Declaration as Stocks Dip

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Saturday as multiple wind-driven brush fires broke out on Long Island. The fires, fueled by strong winds and low humidity, sent large smoke plumes into the air and forced the closure of a stretch of Sunrise Highway. Fire crews in Suffolk County responded to at least three major brush fires on the East End, with authorities reporting that at least two structures had been burned. The fires also prompted the evacuation of personnel from the Francis S. Gabreski Airport as a precautionary measure.

Governor Hochul expressed concern about the potential for the fires to spread overnight, noting that the community of Riverhead was just three miles away from the burning area. She emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent the fires from spreading to populated areas, recalling the devastating wildfires in California earlier this year. One firefighter was transferred to a hospital with second-degree burns to the face, and no other injuries were reported.

The fires, which were burning in a nature preserve, posed a significant threat due to the strong winds driving the flames. Suffolk County spokesperson Michael Martino reported that a fire in Westhampton, initially estimated to be approximately 3 miles by 1 mile, was about 70% contained by Saturday night. The National Weather Service had warned of elevated fire risk due to low humidity levels and winds gusting at 30 to 35 mph.

Governor Hochul stated that state funds were being used to respond to the brush fires, and she was not relying on federal assistance amid spending cuts. Multiple state agencies, including transportation and fire prevention departments, were deployed to help with Suffolk County's response. The New York National Guard provided air support by helicopter, and at least 50 deputy sheriffs were on the ground providing protection from the brush fires.

The fires evoked memories of the 1995 Sunrise Fire, which burned through more than 5,000 acres of the Pine Barrens nature preserve and forced hundreds from their homes. Brookhaven town supervisor Dan Panico assured the public that the current situation would not escalate to the level of the 1995 fire, thanks to the coordinated efforts of firefighters and emergency responders.

Residents in Suffolk County reported entire neighborhoods being engulfed in smoke, with some families driving around to investigate the source. Suffolk County resident Lauren Stiles expressed gratitude for the volunteer firefighters who risk