A large wildfire broke out in Long Island, New York, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency. The fire, which created massive smoke plumes, led to the closure of part of Sunrise Highway. Firefighters in Suffolk County responded to at least three major brush fires on the East End. Though no evacuation orders were issued, two structures were damaged, and personnel near Francis S. Gabreski Airport were evacuated as a precaution.

The fires are burning in a nature preserve, but there are concerns about the wind pushing them toward populated areas like Riverhead, which is only three miles away. Governor Hochul expressed concerns about strong winds and the fire’s potential to spread, referring to it as a multi-day event. The fires follow similar wildfires in California, and state funds are being used to tackle the situation.

🚨Evacuations ordered as multiple wildfires erupt near Long Island, New York pic.twitter.com/51rH3AbjNE

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