Firefighters have managed to knock down wildfires in Westhampton Beach, NY, gateway to the Hamptons on New York‘s Long Island, but dry and windy conditions continue to keep the risk level elevated.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Saturday after four separate blazes burned about 400 acres in the Pine Barrens along the island’s south shore.
The flames had been extinguished by Sunday morning, but Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Rudy Sunderman said at a news conference, with officials saying the blaze is 22% contained. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines around the fire to keep it from spreading.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service called for sunshine, temperatures in the 40s and wind gusts of up to 30 mph on Sunday. “We’re concerned because the winds are still blowing, that might spark up again,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said at the news conference.
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Highways and major streets were closed to traffic Saturday as the flames spread. Two commercial structures burned, there were two minor injuries and a military base was evacuated.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
More than 80 volunteer fire departments convened to fight the fires, working through the night.
About 100 miles east of New York City, the Hamptons is a region made up of small cities like Montauk, East Hampton, Southampton and Sag Harbor. Lined by ocean beaches, the region is known as a summer vacation destination, cultural province and site of mansions owned by business executives and entertainers.
While many residents and workers stay in the area year-round, by Memorial Day in May the large summer population makes its presence felt. The Hamptons International Film Festival is an annual draw in the autumn.
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