New York governor declares state of emergency in Long Island

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Saturday after multiple wind-driven brush fires erupted in Long Island, causing widespread smoke and closing down a highway.

Fire crews responded to at least three major fires in Suffolk County, with one burning near the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, prompting evacuations.

No evacuations have been ordered for nearby residents, but at least two structures have been destroyed, according to CNN. Efforts to contain the fires have been hindered by strong winds, and the fires continue to threaten nearby populated areas, including Riverhead.

Hochul expressed concern over worsening conditions overnight, with high winds expected to exacerbate the fires. "We are very concerned about the overnight, and the increase of winds," she said.

The New York National Guard and local agencies are assisting with firefighting efforts, and more than 80 crews are working to control the spread. One firefighter has been hospitalized with second-degree burns.

The fires are reminiscent of the destructive 1995 Sunrise Fire, and authorities are determined to prevent a similar scale disaster.