State of Emergency Declared as Fires Rage Across Long Island, New York | US News
A state of emergency has been declared in New York as brush fires rage across parts of Long Island and close to Brooklyn.
Firefighters are actively combating the flames with assistance from National Guard helicopters, as reported by New York State governor Kathy Hochul.
The fires are exacerbated by strong winds, which have generated thick clouds of smoke that led to the evacuation of a military base and the shutdown of a major highway.
Governor Hochul mentioned that emergency responders are attending to the fires in the Pine Barrens, a forested area that features commuter towns situated to the east of New York City.
“The situation remains out of control at this time,” she stated to Long Island TV station News 12.
“We are witnessing evacuations in the Westhampton area.”
Coinciding with the emergence of videos on social media depicting the fires, the Town of Southampton issued a caution against igniting recreational fires due to the elevated wildfire threat.
“Please exercise caution when handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, and matches,” the weather service advised.
“Any fires that ignite could spread rapidly.”
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NASA satellite imagery revealed fire and smoke extending approximately 2.5 miles along Sunrise Highway, a main route leading to the eastern part of Long Island.
Governor Hochul indicated that homes, a chemical plant, and an Amazon warehouse are in jeopardy.
Footage shared on social media displayed thick smoke billowing from a fire near the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn.
The origin of the fires remains unknown at this moment.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.
