Over the last few months of 2024 brush fires spread across Long Island as it experienced the driest autumn in nearly six decades, with October being marked as the single driest month on modern record according to the National Weather Service
Long Island experienced a regionwide three-month dry spell, during which there was only 0.12 inches of rain during the month of October. The state of New York was dealing with a drought because of warmer temperatures and a lack of precipitation with New York City and Long Island. There were multiple red flags warnings issued by the National Weather Service concerning the increasing number of brush fires throughout the months of October and November
Brush and wild fires are quite a significant recurring issue in states such as California, Texas and Arizona. These areas tend to experience high numbers of brushfires year round but this was the first time this region of New York dealt with such a substantial amounts of brush fires. The drought caused a rapid increase in brush fires with Suffolk County firefighters having battled more than 300 brushes from August 21 through the end of the year. Many of these fires were close to multiple homes and commercial buildings. A main concern was the effect these brush fires may have on the Long Island Pines Barren Region of Suffolk County. Although Long Island hasn’t had to deal with many brush fires there have been few severe wildfires such as the Sunrise Fire of 1995, the largest wildfire to occur in Long Island. The Sunrise Fire scorched 4,500 acres of pine barren, leading to the evacuation of about 400 residents as it damaged dozens of homes. The dry conditions seen this fall raised fears of the potential for a similar event.
The severity of the fires on Long Island and across the rest of New York made for a statewide ban on outdoor burning issued by Governor Kathy Hochul that expired on November 30. Suffolk county also issued a ban on all campfires and open flames in all county parks because of strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels as this can all potentially increase the risk of brush fires occurring. This ban expired on December 8.
Long Island did experience significant downpour for the first time since August on November 21 which significantly improved the number of brush fires on Long Island. Even so, officials emphasized the importance of being vigilant and aware. What residents can do is be prepared such as having a fire extinguisher always near. Other suggestions include reporting uncontrolled fires immediately, fully extinguishing any sort of fire, being cautious when throwing out cigarettes and knowing the signs of fire.
