Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency and Provides Update on State’s Response to Long Island Brush Fires

State of Emergency Declared To Prioritize Deployment of Ground and Air Support for Immediate Fire Suppression

Four New York National Guard Helicopters Providing Water Drops and Air Support; State Police Providing Drone Support

State Emergency Operations Center Has Been Activated; Office of Fire Prevention and Control Establishes Fire Operations Center, and Activates Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan

Strong Winds and Dry Weather To Continue Sunday

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency in Suffolk County as multiple brush fires began Saturday afternoon. Currently, more than 30 fire companies are engaged in battling the blaze. At the Governor’s direction, the New York National Guard has four helicopters performing water drops, and a C-130 is supporting aerial monitoring. Additionally, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has opened the State Fire Operations Center and activated the state’s Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan to support any resource requests from local fire departments. Numerous other state agencies are providing support via drones, traffic management and personnel as well.

Forecasts indicate isolated wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour (mph) are expected to persist through tomorrow evening. Gusts will decrease slightly overnight to approximately 25 mph before picking up again on Sunday morning up to 40 mph.

“We are deploying resources as quickly as possible, and I have mobilized our agencies, the National Guard and the State Police to provide air and ground support to ensure we keep our Long Islanders safe,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ve declared a state of emergency to secure resources immediately. This is an evolving situation, and air quality is a concern — New Yorkers need to monitor the latest emergency alerts and prepare to evacuate if necessary.”

Safety Recommendations

Ways to reduce potential smoke exposure in the immediate area of the fires include:

• Being aware of your air: Before heading out to work, exercise or to the park with the kids, check the AQI forecast and adjust your outdoor activities if there is poor air quality. Plan ahead by signing up for email air quality alerts.
• Staying inside: Keep windows and doors closed to keep indoor air clean. If smoke gets inside, buy or make your own portable air cleaner to reduce particles indoors, or use HEPA air filters in your HVAC system.
• Wearing a mask: If you must go out, a properly worn N95 mask can filter out large smoke particles, reducing the amount of PM you breathe in.
  • For people who spend time outdoors, when air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended. A N95 or KN95 will work best. More information about the New York State Air Quality forecast is available here.
    • To check your location's current air quality, go to www.airnow.gov.
    • Taking it easy: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities that may cause you to breathe heavier.
    • Protecting the vulnerable: Caretakers of children, the elderly and those with asthma should be especially careful. When the AQI is elevated, be sure to limit their outdoor activities to keep them safe.
    • Taking care of four-legged friends: Keep outdoor trips with your pet brief and low-key to protect them from the same nose, eye, throat and lung irritation people experience.