Massive Wildfires Erupt in Long Island, Shut Down Highways and Force Evacuations [WATCH]

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue to burn across eastern Long Island, forcing road closures and evacuations in several communities.

The blazes, which ignited over the weekend, have engulfed areas of Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport, and Westhampton, raising concerns about air quality and fire resurgence due to changing weather conditions.

Hochul provided an update Saturday evening, warning that the fires could remain an issue for multiple days despite firefighters making progress in containing them.

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“This could be a multi-day event,” Hochul told CNN, adding that shifting conditions could create additional risks for area residents.

She also highlighted concerns over air quality due to the heavy smoke and ash spreading across the region.

“I’m also concerned about the air quality… This can shift at any moment, but the air quality is definitely compromised,” Hochul said.

To mitigate health risks, Hochul announced that the state would distribute 100,000 N-95 masks to residents in affected areas.

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As of Saturday night, firefighters had successfully extinguished three smaller fires and had contained 80 percent of the Westhampton fire, which is the largest of the four blazes on Long Island.

BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue to spread across New York. pic.twitter.com/gQJsHAS3tU

— The General (@GeneralMCNews) March 8, 2025

Despite the progress, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine warned that weather conditions could cause flare-ups, with wind gusts expected to reach 40 mph on Sunday.

“The winds will keep the embers alive, and we have to worry every day that this fire will rise again,” Romaine said.

A state press release confirmed that overnight wind gusts would be around 25 mph, but they were expected to increase again by Sunday morning, raising concerns about fire reignition.

During her briefing, Hochul criticized federal funding cuts that she claimed have hindered local fire response efforts.

She specifically referenced the National Fire Academy, which has been affected by budget reductions, resulting in canceled training classes for firefighters.

“We’re in a crisis situation, and to cut funding for people who save our lives is deeply, deeply troubling,” Hochul said.

“I’m not relying on the federal government.”

So far, the wildfires have resulted in one reported injury, with a firefighter hospitalized for a second-degree burn on his face.

#BREAKING: Multiple MASSIVE brush fires have engulfed Long Island, NY near the Hamptons

More and more major roads are being closed while firefighters fight the blazes.

This is terrifying. pic.twitter.com/jW6YrJa4m5

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 8, 2025

Two commercial structures have been damaged, including one at Gabreski Airport and another on County Route 31.

Southampton Police Chief James Kiernan assured the public that no residential homes are currently threatened, but officials are monitoring the situation closely.

The fires prompted an emergency response involving more than 70 fire departments and over 50 emergency service units, with the National Guard assisting in firefighting efforts.

The Eastport Fire Department confirmed that its entire unit had been deployed to combat the blazes.

Sunrise Highway, a major roadway in the area, has been shut down in both directions, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Residents in the affected areas recounted their hurried evacuations, with some being alerted by emergency responders to leave immediately.

Tanya Layburn, a Hamptons resident, described how she and her children, Randy, 25, and Barbara, 28, had to quickly escape after receiving a phone call warning them of the approaching fire.

“We almost didn’t know if we were gonna get out of there,” Layburn told Newsday. “We just backed it up and got the hell out of there.”

Drivers fleeing the area were seen pulled over on the roadside, with some stopping to take pictures of the smoke-filled sky.

Officials are continuing to monitor the situation, with firefighters working to fully contain the flames while bracing for potential flare-ups due to high winds.

Residents are urged to stay alert and follow evacuation orders if conditions worsen.

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