Backyard S’mores Fire Leads to Long Island Wildfires, Burning 600 Acres
Investigators say a failed attempt to light a fire for s’mores caused embers to spread rapidly due to strong winds, igniting multiple brush fires.
Overview
- The wildfires began in Manorville, New York, after a resident used cardboard to light a fire for making s’mores on a windy Saturday morning.
- Embers from the initial fire were carried by 35 mph winds, igniting additional fires across Long Island’s Pine Barrens region.
- The fires burned approximately 600 acres, damaged two commercial buildings, and hospitalized two firefighters with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Over 80 volunteer fire departments and hundreds of firefighters worked to contain the fires, which were declared 100% contained by Monday.
- Governor Kathy Hochul issued a burn ban for Long Island and surrounding areas, citing ongoing dry conditions and increased wildfire risks.