Long Island Wildfires Traced to S'mores Fire Accident

Authorities say embers from a backyard fire, fueled by strong winds, caused multiple brush fires that burned 600 acres and damaged structures.

Suffolk County police confirmed that a backyard fire intended for making s'mores accidentally ignited brush fires across Long Island's Pine Barrens region.
Strong winds carried embers from the initial fire, sparking four separate blazes that burned 600 acres and damaged at least two commercial structures.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and expanded a burn ban to include Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley.
Two firefighters sustained injuries while battling the fires, with one airlifted to a hospital for second-degree burns and another treated for a head injury.
The fires, now fully contained, prompted the deployment of over 600 firefighters from 80 departments, with officials warning of continued wildfire risks due to dry conditions and high winds.