Long Island fire: Apocalyptic scenes at Westhampton as enormous blaze breaks out - World News - Mirror Online
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Evacuations have been ordered amid an ongoing "large-scale" operation to tackle a fire in the Hamptons in New York, with frightened locals revealing they were just moments from danger.
Emergency services have responded to the fires in the affluent area close to the Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton, reports say. State Governor Kathy Hochul said: "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."
Smoke can be seen for miles, local reports say, startling satellite images showed the extent of the smoke. Fires erupted along the Sunrise Highway close to East Hampton and Long Island's Riverhead and 40 crews were called to the scene.
Emergency services have responded to the fires
Newsday reported Hamptons resident Tanya Layburn said she had to suddenly "get the hell out of there". She darted to safety with her children Randy, 25, and Barbara, 28. She said: "We almost didn't know if we were gonna get out of there."
Southampton Police Detective Sergeant Gina Laferrera warned that people should stay away and that there could be additional road closures due to the "ever-changing situation". Southampton Town councilman Bill Pell said that military aricraft had been called in to dump water on and monitor the fires.
Supervisor Maria Moore said there were responders from the three levels of government had responded to extinguish the flames. Jeffrey D Cannet, the commander of the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, said according to amNY: "We are actively working with local fire departments to contain the fire and ensure everyone remains out of harm's way." The 106th used an HH-60G Jolly Green II helicopter to assist in the operation. To firefighters among us who fought the [1995] fires." Fires erupted in the areas in what will be 30 years ago in August this year.
"Their experience, training, and dedication are invaluable in this fight, and we stand in full support of their efforts," she said. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to all firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to bring this fire under control."
Ms Moor also said that "dry weather and high winds, along with damage to woodland areas caused by Southern Pine Beetle infestation, is exacerbating the conditions for dangerous wildfires".
There is a heightened fire risk in the area with gusts of 30 to 35mph.and crews from multiple fire departments have responded. "he main reason for the risk is just because we have some pretty strong winds coming in from the northwest, gusting up to 35 miles per hour. Whenever you tie that in with low humidity it can lead to an elevated risk for fire spread," said meterologist Bryan Ramsey to Newsday.
The NWS said before the fire broke out that people should "exercise caution handling any potential ignition sources, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches". The service said any lit fires could potentially spread quickly.
This is a breaking news story.
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Updates keep rolling in. Pray for Long Island and their firefighters...
Our thoughts and prayers to all the residents of the area and the brave first responders risking their lives for others.