Wildfires Force Emergency in New York

Fast-moving wildfires engulfed large areas of Long Island, New York, on Saturday, driven by strong winds that accelerated their spread.

Thick gray smoke filled the sky as emergency crews worked to contain the blazes. The fires led to the evacuation of a military base and the closure of a major highway.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency as multiple agencies mobilized to contain the fires in the Pine Barrens region, a forested area surrounded by residential communities east of New York City.

Officials reported that three out of four fires had been fully contained, while the largest fire in Westhampton remained only 50% controlled. The wildfires also caused partial damage to two commercial buildings.

Efforts to fully contain the fires continue as emergency teams battle the flames, with authorities urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.