NEW YORK (AP) — Quick-moving brush fires burned through a large swath of land on New York’s Long Island on Saturday, fanned by high winds that spewed thick gray smoke into the sky and prompted the evacuation of a military base and the closure of a major highway.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said state agencies were responding to the fires around the Pine Barrens, a wooded area that is home to commuter towns east of New York City.
In a statement, Hochul said the National Guard was providing support by helicopter and working with local law enforcement.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” she said.
Videos posted to social media showed flames shooting into the air and columns of black smoke rising above roads.
The Town of Southampton issued a warning in the afternoon against starting recreational fires due to wildfire risk, around the time that the videos began appearing.
Police closed miles of Sunrise Highway, a thoroughfare to the East End of Long Island.