March 8— A number of brush fires burned in Lengthy Island State Pine Barrens Reserve, a wooded space close to bed room communities exterior New York Metropolis, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency.
The fires within the 105,000-acre protect in Suffolk County, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) from New York Metropolis, began earlier Saturday. Hochul stated she deployed the New York Nationwide Guard to supply air assist by helicopter, working with native authorities.
“I can not say we’re out of the woods proper now, issues are wanting extra underneath management at this second however evacuations could also be needed,” Hochul instructed CNN in an interview Saturday night time, including that she was “involved about air high quality.”
Grateful to our @NationalGuardNY and all first responders working tirelessly to comprise these fires.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 9, 2025
Hochul stated that current funds cuts from the federal authorities have affected the New York Hearth Academy and she or he would take into account making use of for Federal Emergency Administration Company funding if the fires proceed.
Learn extra: NYC Bid for US to Return $80 Million in FEMA Funds Is Denied
“It’s spreading in a short time,” Hochul stated in a separate interview with native information broadcast Information 12 late Saturday afternoon. “It’s not only one hearth that we will regulate, it’s spreading to totally different pockets and all triggered by the excessive winds and the dry, dry circumstances.”
The governor stated she additionally deployed state hearth administration, emergency and environmental departments to help native authorities.
“Public security is my prime precedence, and I’m dedicated to doing every little thing potential to maintain Lengthy Islanders protected,” Hochul stated in a press release.
New York state noticed a two-week file of 271 fires in November. Wildfires have additionally raged throughout the South, together with the Carolinas and Georgia, whereas Los Angeles suffered major fires in January.
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