Quotes
This fire at its largest, which is still burning, is 2 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, ... It started in Center Moriches, then to East Moriches, then Eastport and then Westhampton, and now the fire is heading toward Quogue."
County Executive Ed Romaine told NBC-4 at a joint press conference held by responding agencies at 5:30 p.m
I am issuing a State of Emergency as Suffolk County fights brush fires in the Pine Barrens,
Hochul said in a post on X ... She addedWe are concerned — because the winds are still blowing — that it might spark up again, and we have people out all over the place,
Romaine said
Sometimes we forget that in times of crisis, times of danger, Americans can come together and can address problems,
Romaine said.jpg)
Massive wildfire in the pine barrens. More than 70 fire companies and 20 EMS on site. Declaration of Emergency ordered. Thank you to all of the firefighters and first responders fighting this blaze. Praying for their safety."
Jesse Garcia, chairman of the Suffolk County & Brookhaven Town Republican Committees, wrote on X on Saturday
This is terrifying—so close to home. A reminder that all firefighters on Long Island are volunteers. Sending (heart emoji) to everyone out east working to contain the fire, especially as night falls. Stay safe! Meanwhile, Trump is at the golf course”
A third user wrote
Big time land grab. 36 years I’ve never seen any fires, let alone like these from Long Island. I can see a minor state forest maybe 2-4 acres when it’s really hot but down between the sound and ocean, I can’t see this being possible after it just raining and it’s been a decently cold winter. WTF with the arsons, ... Is this another arson paving the way for another future Smart City on Prison Planet?”
A fourth user wrote ... while another askedWe are deploying resources as quickly as possible, and I have mobilized our agencies, the National Guard and the State Police to provide air and ground support to ensure we keep our Long Islanders safe,
Hochul said in a statement
I’ve declared a state of emergency to secure resources immediately,
she continuedThe winds will keep the embers alive, and we have to worry every day that this fire will rise again,
Romaine said
We're in a crisis situation and to cut funding for people who save our lives is deeply, deeply troubling,
Hochul said
No residences are currently threatened, but officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and officials will be notified if that changes.
Southampton Police Chief James Kiernan saidWe almost didn't know if we were gonna get out of there,
she revealed
Late yesterday, l learned from a source that the FBI Field Office in New York was in possession of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein. Despite my repeated requests, the FBI never disclosed the existence of the files."
Bondi wrote in the letterWait... Isn't this near where Pam Bondi said the FBI was withholding Epstein documents from her?”
Now, sharing a video of smoke from the massive fire, an X user saidWe’re in a better place right now but we are very concerned about the overnight, and the increase of winds,
Hochul told CNN’s Jessica Dean Saturday
All those images of what happened in the Palisades are so front and center in our minds,
the governor said, recalling the deadly wildfires that devastated California this yearThe New York National Guard has already begun providing air support by helicopter and is coordinating with local law enforcement,
Hochul said in a statementWe are prepared for this, and we have 80 agencies and firefighting crews and agents and individuals all over working to put up a wet line, as you say, because that wet line is what our best defense against this spreading now,
Hochul said while noting the threat of an increase in winds overnight and the impact the fires can have on air qualityOur biggest problem is the wind,
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said