Two firefighters injured in Long Island wildfires, New York
Four wildfires erupted in Long Island on Saturday afternoon, March 8, 2025, fueled by strong winds and low humidity. By Sunday, March 9, the fires had burned through at least 162 ha (400 acres). At least two fire personnel were injured, and the blazes caused significant damage to two commercial buildings in the region.
Fire officials preparing to engage the Long Island Fires on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Image credit: Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services
Four fires broke out in Suffolk County, Long Island, on Saturday, burning approximately 162 ha (400 acres) and prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency on Sunday.
More than 90 fire departments, the National Guard, and over 600 emergency services personnel responded to the fires, which were brought under control by Sunday.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers were in the Pine Barrens on Sunday, extinguishing remaining hotspots and working to establish a full perimeter. Once completed, the fire will be considered contained.
The fires reportedly ignited around 13:00 LT on Saturday and were fueled by strong winds of approximately 56 km/h (35 mph). The strong winds caused the smoke plumes to spread far and wide, being visible across the region as seen on social media.
The Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services had already issued an Elevated Risk of Fire Spread on Saturday, stating that low humidity of 30% and northwest winds gusting 48–56 km/h (30–35 mph) will create conditions conducive for fires.
According to Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Rudy Sunderman, the Westhampton Pines Fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon, was fully extinguished by late Sunday.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stated in a press conference on Sunday that the fire was approximately 80% contained. “This fire isn’t the threat that it was yesterday,” he said.
At least two firefighters sustained injuries in the fires, one suffering second-degree burns to the face and the other sustaining a head injury. Both were released to recover at home on Sunday.
Governor Hochul issued a ban on most outdoor camping, cooking, and warming fires in Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley due to ongoing dry conditions. Backyard fire pits, small campfires, and small cooking fires in controlled conditions were exempted. The ban will remain in effect until the annual statewide prohibition on outdoor fires begins on March 16.
The fire caused structural damage to two commercial buildings, one of which was “fairly destroyed,” according to officials. One building was located on the grounds of Gabreski Airport, while the other was on the CR-31 route.
The building on CR-31 was AutoGate Systems Distributions, owned by Mark Cirillo. He witnessed flames engulfing his Westhampton business, resulting in what he estimated to be thousands of dollars in damages.
As of Monday, March 10, all fires have either been fully extinguished or contained. The cause remains under investigation, with officials considering arson as a possible factor.
References:
1 Westhampton fire ‘100% knocked down’ as investigators search for its origin – News 12 – March 9, 2025
2 Brush fire on Long Island that has scorched 400 acres is 80% contained – NBC News – March 9, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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