S’mores gone wrong? Backyard fire suspected in massive Long Island wildfires

A backyard fire reportedly started for making s’mores is suspected to have ignited a series of wildfires that swept through Long Island’s Pine Barrens, burning approximately 600 acres of land and prompting a state of emergency. Suffolk County officials revealed on Monday that strong winds likely carried embers from the initial fire, leading to multiple blazes across the region.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina stated that investigators believe the fire began around 9:30 a.m. ET on Saturday when a resident used cardboard to start a fire for making s’mores. Due to high winds, the flames quickly spread beyond control, ultimately igniting multiple wildfires.

Strong Winds Fueled Rapid Fire Spread

Authorities detailed how the wind played a significant role in the escalation of the wildfires. Catalina explained that while the initial fire was extinguished by 10:30 a.m., embers carried by northwest winds—reaching speeds of up to 45 mph—traveled southeast, igniting another blaze in Manorville before 1 p.m.

The fires continued to spread, with flames jumping from Manorville to Eastport and then into the protected Pine Barrens region of Westhampton. Catalina noted that while the fires were initially reported as four separate incidents, evidence suggests they were linked by the same embers carried by strong winds.

Firefighters Battle Blazes, Two Injured

The fast-moving wildfires prompted a significant emergency response, with more than 600 firefighters from 80 volunteer departments battling the blazes. Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine confirmed that two volunteer firefighters were injured, one suffering second-degree burns to the face and another sustaining a head injury that required hospitalization.

Authorities also feared the fires would jump Sunrise Highway, a major route in Suffolk County, potentially endangering nearby communities. However, coordinated firefighting efforts successfully contained the blaze before it reached densely populated areas.

Environmental Concerns in the Pine Barrens

The Pine Barrens region, known for its dense woodland, was particularly vulnerable to the wildfires due to a high concentration of dead pine trees. Romaine highlighted the dangers posed by dry vegetation, emphasizing that without a rapid response, the fires could have caused far more destruction.

Amanda Lefton, acting commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, confirmed on Monday that the fires were “100% contained.” However, firefighters will remain on-site over the next few days to prevent any flare-ups.

Arson Investigators Rule Out Intentional Fire

While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials believe the backyard s’mores fire was accidental. Catalina stated that a team of 25 arson investigators is examining the evidence but noted that “so far, our investigation is pointing strongly toward an accidental origin for Saturday’s fires.”

The wildfires have drawn attention to fire safety concerns in residential areas, particularly regarding the use of open flames during windy conditions. Local authorities are urging residents to take extra precautions when handling fire outdoors, especially in areas prone to wildfires.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency following the disaster, ensuring resources would be available to assist in fire suppression and recovery efforts. Officials are now assessing the full extent of the damage, which includes burned land, destroyed wildlife habitats, and damage to at least two commercial structures.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fire can spread under the right conditions, raising awareness about fire prevention in both residential and natural areas.