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An investigation by Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives determined that high winds spread embers from a Manorville backyard on Cozine Road after the family attempted to start a fire for s’mores, the agency announced Monday, March 10.
“It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires,” Suffolk County Police said. Detectives are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips, the agency added.
A massive fire erupted south of the Sunrise Highway in Center Moriches at around 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, and rapidly spread due to 35 mph winds, as Daily Voice reported. Flames quickly moved to East Moriches, Eastport, and then Westhampton, igniting a massive blaze just north of Gabreski Airport.
An aerial view of a wildfire burning on Long Island on Saturday, March 8.
The Westhampton Pines Fire burned an estimated 600 acres, prompting more than 90 different fire departments, EMS agencies, and the National Guard to respond, ABC7 reports.
The last of four wildfires were fully contained by Sunday morning, March 9, a spokesperson for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. Fire crews were continuing to monitor smaller smoldering areas to prevent any potential flare-ups.
At its peak, the wildfires stretched two miles long and 2.5 miles wide, Romaine said. Two firefighters were injured, including one who suffered a second-degree burn to their face, fire officials told ABC7.
Saturday’s fires prompted Gov. Kathy Hochul to issue a State of Emergency and outdoor burn ban through Sunday, March 16. The ban was in effect for Suffolk and Nassau counties, as well as the counties of Richmond, Kings, Queens, Bronx, New York, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, and Ulster.
Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid any potential ignition sources.
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