(NewsNation) — Dangerous brush fires erupted on Long Island just east of New York City over the weekend, causing smoke to billow for miles and resulting in a state of emergency. Now, strong winds are a concern.
In a Sunday morning press conference, authorities said the fire was 80% contained and 100% knocked down, meaning not visible.
Authorities remain concerned with blowing winds but do have people in position should they become a greater factor. Arson detectives are presently on the ground investigating the cause and expect to have a cause within the coming days.
Around 90 emergency service departments pitched in to battle the flames, according to Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services commissioner Rudy Sunderman.
What is feared to be a multi-day event has left some parts of the town of Westhampton Beach scorched and looking almost like a haunted forest.
First responders were still on the ground working to contain the fires as of Sunday morning.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is sending 100,000 N-95 masks to the area for residents and deploying the National Guard.
Three of the four brush fires from Saturday have been fully contained, while one continues to burn at about 50% containment as of Sunday.
So far, no residents have been injured, and only a few structures have been damaged in the rural area.
Westhampton has not been evacuated, but residents are prepared to do so if winds pick up heading into the new week.
