New York declares state of emergency as brush fires spread across Long Island

NEW YORK — A state of emergency was declared in New York on Saturday as brush fires continued to spread across Long Island, prompting evacuations and causing major disruptions, according to officials.

Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that firefighters, aided by National Guard helicopters, are battling flames near the Pine Barrens, a wooded area east of New York City that is home to several commuter towns.

"This is still out of control at this moment," Hochul told News 12. "We're seeing people having to be evacuated from the Westhampton area."

High winds have intensified the fires, sending thick smoke into the air, forcing the evacuation of a military base, and leading to the closure of a major highway.

The town of Southampton issued a warning against recreational fires as the wildfire risk escalates.

"Exercise caution handling any potential ignition sources, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches," the National Weather Service advised.

"Any fires that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly."

NASA satellite data showed the fires and smoke stretching approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) along Sunrise Highway, a key route leading to the eastern end of Long Island.

Hochul noted that nearby homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse are at risk.

Meanwhile, social media videos captured towering plumes of smoke near the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn, though the cause of that fire remains unknown.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as emergency crews work to contain the blaze. No injuries have been reported. — Agencies