Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update on the brush fires in Suffolk County that began Saturday afternoon. Based on the ongoing increase in fire risk from gusty winds and lower relative humidity, Governor Hochul has directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement an immediate burn ban for Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley until the annual statewide ban on residential brush burning takes effect on March 16.

“New Yorkers are facing increased wildfire risks due to the combination of dry conditions and strong winds,” Governor Hochul said. “As we work tirelessly to combat the fires in Suffolk County, we must all do our part to prevent further damage. I have issued an immediate burn ban across Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley to protect our communities, and our state resources are fully mobilized to support fire suppression efforts.”

Counties in the multi-regional burn ban include: Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley until the annual statewide ban on residential brush burning takes effect on March 16. Counties include: Nassau, Suffolk, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Bronx, New York, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, and Ulster. The multi-regional burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires. For more information about the annual ban on residential brush burning taking effect March 16 and tips about fire safety and prevention, visit DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Dry conditions continued today. Relative humidity is expected to rise back up through the 40s to more than 50 percent tonight and temperatures will slowly fall to the lower 40s.

On Saturday, the Governor declared a State of Emergency in Suffolk County to prioritize the deployment of ground and air support to assist with fire suppression. At the Governor’s direction, the New York National Guard has four helicopters performing water drops, and a C-130 is supporting aerial monitoring. On Saturday, the helicopters flew 88 missions, dropping 24,200 gallons of water on the fires. Additionally, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has opened the State Fire Operations Center and activated the state’s Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan to support any resource requests from local fire departments.