New York: A state of emergency has been declared in New York as wildfires sweep across Long Island and areas near Brooklyn. Firefighters are actively battling the flames with aerial support from National Guard helicopters, Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed.
The fires, fueled by high winds, have sent thick smoke billowing into the sky, leading to evacuations in Westhampton, the closure of a military base, and the shutdown of a major highway. Emergency crews are responding to multiple fire outbreaks across the Pine Barrens, a densely wooded area home to several commuter towns east of New York City.
Police have closed a section of the highway, a major route leading to the eastern end of Long Island.
The fires have also spread near Francis S. Gabreski Airport, prompting precautionary evacuations of personnel at the National Guard base starting around 1:45 p.m., according to spokesperson Cheran Cambell. At least one National Guard helicopter was deployed from the base to assist in fire containment efforts.
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“This is still out of control at this moment,” Governor Hochul told, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Authorities have warned residents against lighting recreational fires and urged caution with ignition sources such as cigarettes, matches, and machinery, as any new fire could spread rapidly.
NASA satellite data indicated that the fire spans approximately 2.5 miles along Sunrise Highway, a major roadway leading to Long Island’s eastern end. In addition to homes, a chemical plant and an Amazon warehouse are at risk.
Meanwhile, social media footage showed plumes of smoke rising from a fire near Brooklyn’s Belt Parkway. The cause of the fires has not yet been determined, but no injuries have been reported so far.
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