Gov. Hochul expands burn ban as Long Island wildfires highlight growing fire risk

Gov. Kathy Hochul expanded emergency measures as firefighters continued battling the aftermath of weekend brush fires in Suffolk County, issuing an immediate burn ban for Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley.

An expanded burn ban prohibited open brush burning and uncontained outdoor fires, with violators facing fines starting at $500, officials said. Backyard fire pits and small cooking fires remained allowed. The move comes after fast-moving wildfires scorched parts of Westhampton and the surrounding areas, prompting evacuations and the closure of major roadways.

While wildfires are a growing concern for rural and suburban areas, Hochul’s ban extends to New York City due to ongoing dry conditions.

State officials on Sunday afternoon said the fires, first reported Saturday afternoon, were 80 to 90% contained, but conditions remained volatile due to dry weather and gusty winds. The National Weather Service warned of an increased fire risk ahead of the outbreak, citing low humidity and high winds as prime conditions for rapid wildfire spread.

Hochul declared a state of emergency over the weekend, allowing for immediate deployment of state resources, including eight helicopters, National Guard personnel and emergency crews from multiple agencies. State aircraft completed 88 water drop missions on Saturday, releasing more than 24,000 gallons over burning areas, officials said.

“New Yorkers are facing increased wildfire risks due to the combination of dry conditions and strong winds,” Hochul said in a statement. “As we work tirelessly to combat the fires in Suffolk County, we must all do our part to prevent further damage. I have issued an immediate burn ban across Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley to protect our communities, and our state resources are fully mobilized to support fire suppression efforts.”