- Backyard s'mores attempt using cardboard ignited initial fire amid high winds
- Embers sparked multiple blazes, burning 600 acres in Pine Barrens
- Two firefighters hospitalized; 600 responders contained the wildfires
- Dead pine trees and 45 mph winds accelerated flames
Long Island’s serene Pine Barrens transformed into a disaster zone over the weekend when a resident’s attempt to make s'mores triggered catastrophic wildfires. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina confirmed the accidental origin, tracing the blaze to a 9:30 a.m. firepit session where cardboard used as kindling spiraled out of control. Despite efforts to extinguish the initial flames by 10:30 a.m., wind-propelled embers traveled nearly an eighth of a mile, igniting secondary fires in Manorville and Eastport.
The fires consumed 600 acres of protected wilderness, fueled by dense stands of dead pine trees—a lingering consequence of recent beetle infestations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency as flames threatened to jump Sunrise Highway, risking spread to populated areas. Over 80 volunteer fire departments collaborated to contain the inferno, a task complicated by 45 mph northwest winds. Firefighters from Connecticut provided aerial support, scooping water from Wild Wood Lake to douse hotspots.
Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine highlighted the human toll: one firefighter suffered second-degree facial burns, while another sustained head injuries. Both were treated at Stony Brook Hospital. The incident mirrors 2022’s Smithtown fire, where a discarded cigarette burned 200 acres, underscoring Long Island’s vulnerability to accidental ignitions. Experts warn that climate-driven drought conditions are increasing fire risks in the Northeast’s pine barrens ecosystems.
Officials emphasized that no charges will be filed against the individual responsible, citing clear evidence of accident. However, the incident has reignited debates about public education on fire safety. Suffolk County plans to distribute free firepit screens and host workshops on responsible outdoor burning—a measure fire ecologist Dr. Lena Torres calls “critical” as recreational land use increases.
The Pine Barrens, a 100,000-acre preserve, last saw major fires in 2012 when lightning strikes burned 1,200 acres. Unlike western wildfires, Long Island’s blazes spread rapidly through dry underbrush rather than towering flames. This event demonstrates how everyday activities can escalate into regional emergencies, particularly in areas grappling with ecological stressors.
As containment efforts transition to mop-up operations, officials urge residents to avoid open burning during red-flag warnings. The DEC reports a 17% rise in human-caused wildfires statewide since 2020, with 68% linked to unsupervised recreational fires. Foraging and camping groups now partner with rangers to promote “Leave No Trace” principles, aiming to prevent future tragedies born from simple oversights.