A brush fire on New York’s Long Island that burned 400 acres and prompted a response from 80 fire departments and 600 personnel is now 60% contained, according to Suffolk County officials. The Westhampton Pines Fire, which erupted on Saturday afternoon, is now fully knocked down. Weather conditions and air quality remain concerns as the fire continues to be monitored. The cause of the fire remains unclear and is being investigated.
Two fire personnel were injured in the fires, with one sustaining second-degree burns to his face and another with a head injury. Two commercial buildings were affected, with one being fairly destroyed and another significantly damaged.
President Donald Trump’s team, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Sen. Chuck Schumer have reached out to offer support following the fires. Hochul declared a state of emergency in the county amid the brush fires in the Pine Barrens.
Four wildfires were burning in Suffolk County on Saturday, with a total of 600 to 700 acres burned. Fire weather conditions are expected to improve in the Northeast, with lower wind gusts and an elevated fire risk remaining in parts of the mid-Atlantic.
Conditions are expected to continue improving across the Northeast on Monday as winds calm down. The situation in Westhampton Beach and surrounding areas is being carefully monitored as firefighters work towards full containment of the fire.
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