”
Brush fires along the Sunrise Highway toward the East End of Long Island sent massive plumes of smoke into the air – closing the roadway from Exit 55 to Westhampton Beach.
Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico says more than 40 fire departments are on site fighting the flames. “The winds are just wrecking havoc,” Gov. Hochul told News 12 before declaring a state of emergency. She also released a statement on social media. “ New York State agencies are responding to a brush fire in the Pine Barrens. We are in close communication with local partners on Long Island to coordinate assistance and make sure they have the resources they need to protect their communities.” She says the National Guard is in the air with Blackhawk helicopters that are dumping water on the fire. Hochul also say “one or two homes” were destroyed in the fire “with others…..