Westhampton brush fires offer a lesson for the future of Long Island

Due to the efforts of hundreds of first responders from across Long Island, and the rapid response of state officials, the weekend’s brush fires in eastern Suffolk County were contained with minimal impact: two firefighters suffered minor injuries and two commercial buildings were damaged. No fatalities. No residences damaged. No evacuation orders. And most of the pine barrens preserve was untouched. A hearty thanks to all who ensured that Suffolk sidestepped what could have been a repeat of the Sunrise Fire of 1995.

But the threat isn’t over.

While the ground still smolders and first responders toil to create 10-foot firebreaks, a confluence of dangerous factors remains: dry weather, high winds, and pine trees turned into tinder by invasive pine beetles drawn north by our warming climate. Those factors created ripe fire conditions that aren’t disappearing any time soon.

Eastern Long Island and other parts of the region have been experiencing “Abnormally Dry” or “Moderate Drought” conditions since at least October, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Winds that can blow embers up to 5 miles away are stronger due to climate change, according to a Climate Central Report. And the pine beetle is eating hundreds of acres of the pine barrens, turning thousands of trees into matchsticks.

While warnings about increased fire conditions were posted by the National Weather Service before the weekend, some Long Islanders apparently didn’t know. The brush fires started accidentally when a Manorville family cooked s’mores in their backyard, Suffolk police said Monday, adding, “It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires.” A public service campaign is needed to change the awareness level.

The federal Wireless Emergency Alerts system warns people about myriad dangers, including hazardous weather. Suffolk’s Office of Emergency Management provides opt-in alerts, and Suffolk police offer alerts. Since most wildfires are caused by people, Suffolk and Nassau need to consider expanding the reach of emergency alerts. It’s impossible to know whether improved alerts about the dangers of making an outdoor fire could have prevented Saturday’s brush fires. But more alerts reaching more people can only help.

Brush fires on Long Island will almost surely increase in frequency and strength. Federal and state money is needed to continue to fight the pine beetle and clear dead trees. Officials will need to expand firebreaks — strips of land cleared of flammable vegetation — to prevent future fires from spreading, and increase drone surveillance to better detect and monitor threats over hundreds of acres of forest.

Finally, county and local officials should create an education outreach program for children and adults alike to keep the messaging fresh that Long Island is susceptible to brush fires every year. Will Long Island be ready for the next one? We will likely learn the answer to that trial by fire sooner than later.