New York Gov. Hochul declares state of emergency in response to Long Island brush fires

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Saturday, April 22, as crews worked tirelessly to combat rapidly spreading brush fires across Long Island, particularly in Suffolk County. The first fire broke out around 1 p.m. in Center Moriches, Suffolk County, and quickly spread to neighboring areas, including East Moriches, Eastport, and Westhampton. By Saturday evening, the fires in Center Moriches, East Moriches, and Eastport had been extinguished, while the fire in Westhampton was reported to be 50% contained. The state of emergency declaration was specifically for Suffolk County, where the fires have posed the greatest threat. Governor Hochul emphasized that the situation was evolving and that air quality remained a significant concern, urging residents to stay alert and monitor emergency alerts in case evacuations became necessary.

The governor’s office announced that the New York State National Guard had been deployed to assist in the firefighting efforts, with four helicopters dropping water and a C-130 aircraft providing aerial monitoring. Additionally, multiple state agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, State Parks, and the New York State Police, were actively involved in supporting the operation. Drones were being used for surveillance, traffic management teams were on the ground, and personnel were working tirelessly to ensure the safety of Long Island residents. Governor Hochul stated, “We are deploying resources as quickly as possible, and I have mobilized our agencies, the National Guard, and the State Police to provide air and ground support to keep our Long Islanders safe.”

Despite the progress made in containing some of the fires, the situation remained tense. Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman confirmed that two commercial buildings had sustained damage from the flames, though officials emphasized that no residents were currently in immediate danger. However, residents in the vicinity of the fires were advised to remain vigilant and prepare for potential evacuations if the situation worsened. The cause of the initial fire in Center Moriches remained under investigation, but officials pointed to strong winds as a contributing factor in the rapid spread of the flames. Forecasts indicated that wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour could persist through Sunday evening, with a temporary dip overnight before picking up again Sunday morning. These conditions, combined with dry fuels and low humidity levels, created a heightened risk of additional wildfires throughout the weekend.

The high winds and dry conditions were not unique to New York, as neighboring states also grappled with similar challenges. In both North and South Carolina, 175 wildfires forced some evacuations, leading South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency. While the situation in New York appeared to be stabilizing, the broader regional conditions underscored the vulnerability of the area to wildfires, especially during periods of adverse weather. Governor Hochul took proactive steps to address these risks, announcing that 100,000 N95 masks would be distributed to the affected areas by Sunday morning to help residents cope with poor air quality.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine provided additional details during a press conference on Saturday afternoon, noting that one firefighter had suffered burns to the face while battling the flames. The injured firefighter was airlifted to the burn center at Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition, according to CBS News. This incident served as a stark reminder of the risks faced by first responders working under challenging conditions. Despite the challenges, officials expressed optimism about the progress being made, with many expressing gratitude for the coordinated efforts of state and local agencies.

Looking ahead, the forecast offered some hope for improved conditions. While wind gusts and dry conditions were expected to continue posing a wildfire risk throughout the weekend, a slight increase in humidity and a dip in wind speeds were expected early in the week, which could help reduce the threat. In the meantime, residents were urged to remain cautious and follow all instructions from local authorities. Governor Hochul’s declaration of a state of emergency ensured that resources could be mobilized quickly, and the coordinated efforts of the National Guard, state agencies, and local fire departments demonstrated a collective commitment to protecting the community. As the situation continued to unfold, the focus remained on keeping residents safe, mitigating the impact of the fires, and preparing for any potential challenges that might arise in the coming days.