Backyard S'mores Fire Ignites 600-Acre Wildfire on Long Island

Strong winds carried embers from a Manorville fire, sparking multiple blazes across Suffolk County and prompting a burn ban by Governor Hochul.

A backyard fire in Manorville, started to make s'mores, accidentally ignited a series of brush fires that burned 600 acres across eastern Long Island.
Strong winds of up to 45 mph carried embers, spreading fires to East Moriches, Eastport, and Westhampton, including the Pine Barrens region.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and imposed a temporary burn ban for Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley due to ongoing dry conditions.
Over 80 volunteer fire departments and 600 firefighters worked to contain the fires, which damaged two commercial buildings and caused minor injuries to two firefighters.
Experts warn that climate change, invasive pine beetles, and dry conditions are increasing wildfire risks in the region, prompting calls for expanded fire prevention measures.