Area FDs respond to Saturday wildfires

Sunrise Highway from William Floyd Parkway east to Exit 62 in Westhampton was closed to traffic on Saturday afternoon as multiple area fire departments battled a string of wildfires driven by high winds and dry conditions, according to an alert from the Southampton Town Police Department. Speonk Riverhead Road and Old Riverhead Road were also closed.

Large plumes of smoke were visible from Wading River east to Westhampton Beach on Saturday afternoon. Officials urged travelers to avoid these areas and be aware of potential additional road closures, “due to the ever changing situation.”

The last of the estimated five brush fires was deemed 80% contained by county fire officials early Sunday morning, but first responders continued to monitor the area and mitigate potential hot-spots. One firefighter suffered facial burns and was transported to Stony Brook Hospital for treatment, officials reported.

Multiple homes were evacuated near Gabreski Airport, according to a press release from the 106th Rescue Wing Fire Department, which also responded to the blaze. “We are actively working with local fire departments to contain the fire and ensure everyone remains out of harm’s way,” 106th commander Col. Jeffrey Cannet said in the statement.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County as the fires continued to rage into Saturday evening. More than 30 fire companies were involved with fighting the fires, and the New York National Guard deployed four helicopters to perform water drops while a C-130 provided aerial monitoring, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

“We are deploying resources as quickly as possible, and I have mobilized our agencies, the National Guard and the State Police to provide air and ground support to ensure we keep our Long Islanders safe,” Gov. Hochul said in the Saturday afternoon press release. “I’ve declared a state of emergency to secure resources immediately.”

[Ed’s note: This story was previously published on Riverhead News-Review.com]