Dozens of fire departments and the National Guard were working on Saturday to extinguish multiple wildfires the broke out on the South Shore of Long Island, scorching the Pine Barrens and spreading for miles along the Sunrise Highway.
“New York State agencies are responding to a brush fire in the Pine Barrens,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement on social media shortly after 3 p.m. “We are in close communication with local partners on Long Island to coordinate assistance and make sure they have the resources they need to protect their communities.”
By around 4:30 p.m., the blazes — exacerbated by strong winds — had already destroyed “one or two homes,” Hochul told News 12 Long Island, adding that other homes were “in the way.” Multiple other structures, including a chemical factory and the Gabreski Airport, appeared to be in danger as well.
Sunrise Highway was closed in both directions from Exit 55 to Westhampton Beach as more than 40 fire departments and Blackhawk helicopters worked furiously to battle the blazes, according to Suffolk County Police. Additional roads were being shut down as the fire threatened to jump across the highway.
Billowing smoke took over much of the island and could be seen across Long Island Sound as far as Connecticut. Videos posted to social media showed flames shooting into the air and thick, gray clouds dominating the sky.
In a follow-up statement, Hochul declared a state of emergency and confirmed the National Guard was “providing air support by helicopter.” She said she had also deployed personnel from multiple agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, State Parks and the New York State Police.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” Hochul said.
The Daily News has reached out to Hochul’s office for additional information.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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