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2mo ago

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.

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A rescue helicopter carries water along Route 27 on March 8, 2025 in Westhampton, New York. As strong winds fueled multiple brush fires on New York's Long Island, closing roads and reportedly burning structures (Photo by Andrew Theodorakis / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

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.