Wildfires spark across Long Island amidst drought conditions
Gov. Kathy Hochul has mobilized state resources as firefighters battle blazes and an air quality advisory has been issued.
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Wildfires continued to erupt across New York Saturday during drought and dry conditions.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has mobilized state resources as firefighters battle blazes and an air quality advisory has been issued to protect residents.
In Riverhead, an intense wildfire kept firefighters battling the blaze for over nine hours in challenging terrain.
The fire, which ignited around 12:30 a.m., consumed around 20 acres near Friar’s Head Golf Course and the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp.
"A lot of smoke, there was very low visibility when we came out at one, two o’clock," shared Collin Hedges, Camp Director at Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp.
Volunteers assisting with winterization were sent home as the camp transformed into a command area for firefighters. The camp is now looking for volunteers to help with a new round of camp winterization in the next few weeks.
Assisted by 17 fire departments, Riverhead Fire Department crews managed to contain the blaze by midday. However, firefighters continued to monitor hot spots in hard-to-reach locations.
Riverhead Fire Department Chief J.R. Renten described the challenging conditions.
"It was very hilly, steep cliffs, big trees. It was dark, windy. The fire changed direction on us a couple of times," Renten said.
During the response, one firefighter from the Ridge Fire Department sustained a minor injury but is expected to recover fully.
Saturday saw additional fires in West Islip, near Good Samaritan Hospital, and in Coram.
Fire officials across Long Island are cautioning residents as the current dry conditions and strong winds heighten fire growth potential. The National Weather Service issued a fire weather warning for Long Island, signaling high risk for rapid fire spread.
Renten urged residents to exercise caution.
"Everybody, just stay vigilant, keep an eye out. No open burns, no fires, no fire pits. Just try to be smart," he stressed.
