Long Island Brush Fires Force Evacuations and Road Closures

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declares a state of emergency as strong winds and dry conditions fuel multiple wildfires in Suffolk County.

Brush fires erupted in Long Island's Pine Barrens on Saturday, rapidly spreading due to high winds and dry weather conditions.
Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed state resources, including the National Guard and multiple state agencies, to assist in firefighting efforts and public safety measures.
Evacuations have been ordered for areas near Westhampton, including a military base, and portions of Sunrise Highway have been closed to traffic.
Authorities have identified human activity as a likely cause of the fires, with low humidity and a Southern Pine Beetle infestation exacerbating fire conditions.
Despite large smoke plumes visible across the region, air quality in New York remains in the 'good' range as strong winds push smoke offshore.