(Patriot.Buzz) – EMERGENCY: As the wind is driving the fire and threatens Long Island residents, Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) state of emergency declaration raises questions about the government’s preparation for wildfire season.
See the video below.
With hundreds of acres already destroyed and residents evacuated, the response highlights yet another emergency where hard-working Americans await assistance while officials scramble to control a crisis.
The fire burned approximately 600 acres, prompted evacuations, and closed a major highway. It threatened homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse.
As of the latest reports, the largest blaze, near Westhampton, was only 50% contained.
“This is still out of control at this moment. We’re seeing people having to be evacuated from the Westhampton area,” Governor Hochul admitted as the situation unfolded.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine did not mince words about the challenging conditions: “Our biggest problem is the wind. It is driving this fire.”
“We’re concerned because the winds are still blowing, that might spark up again,” Romaine warned, highlighting the ongoing threat to residents and property.
More than 80 volunteer fire departments responded to battle the blaze, working tirelessly alongside professionals as smoke billowed across Suffolk County.
Two firefighters were injured and hospitalized, though they have since been released. Meanwhile, one firefighter suffered facial burns serious enough to require hospitalization.
The emergency response included Air National Guard helicopters dropping water on the fires. As flames approached, personnel from a nearby Francis S. Gabreski Airport military base were evacuated.
According to satellite data, the fires stretched approximately 2.5 miles along Sunrise Highway, forcing this critical transportation artery to close.
While three of the four fires have been fully contained, the Westhampton fire remains the most challenging.
Local fire crews and the Air National Guard have managed to contain about 80% of the overall blaze.
Two commercial structures have already been damaged, and the threat to additional property remains as winds continue to hamper firefighting efforts.
The Suffolk County police department’s arson squad is investigating the cause of the fires, though officials claim no evidence of arson has been found yet.
“We’re going to get to the bottom of what happened,” promised Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
Additionally, detectives are interviewing witnesses and using drones for their investigation, seeking answers for how these devastating fires began.
Meanwhile, a smaller brush fire is being monitored along Sunrise Highway, with officials watching closely for any sign of rekindling.
The Town of Southampton has warned against starting recreational fires due to the extreme risk, a common-sense measure responsible citizens will certainly heed during these dangerous conditions.
Local residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders if issued, and support the brave firefighters and volunteers working to protect their communities from nature’s fury.
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