'Relatively small' fire at Brookhaven landfill fire put out quickly

A small fire broke out at the Brookhaven landfill about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and was extinguished by firefighters by 9:30 p.m., Supervisor Dan Panico said.

Panico blamed the fire on dry conditions, adding that the cause of the fire has not been determined by the town’s chief fire marshal, Chris Mehrman.

"It was only superficial material," Panico said. "It’s been weeks of red flag alerts. It’s been extremely dry."

Red flag warnings are issued in dry conditions that make even small brush fires more dangerous because they can spread more quickly. The National Weather Service has said there is a high risk of wildfires due to a lack of substantial rain in recent weeks.

The fire broke out in an active, working section on top of the landfill, Panico said, who described is as a "relatively small fire."

One or two Brookhaven firefighters were treated for possible smoke inhalation, he said, adding there was "no harm to the public. No injuries."

South Country Ambulance also responded, he said.

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.