Brush Fire, 'Size Of A Football Field,' Breaks Out On A Napeague Stretch: Town

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A large brush fire broke out on a remote stretch of Napeague Wednesday, town officials said.

According to East Hampton Town officials, at about 4:16 p.m. on Wednesday, the brush fire was reported along the north side of Montauk Highway, between Shipwreck Drive and Dunes Lane.

The fire burned an area roughly the size of a football field, officials said.

"The response was swift," town officials said.

Fire Departments from Amagansett, Montauk, and East Hampton arrived at the scene, with support from East Hampton Town police and fire marshals. The fire was reported by East Hampton Town Police Officer Ian Gerken, who identified the blaze while on patrol, officials said.

To support firefighting efforts and ensure public safety, Montauk Highway was temporarily closed to traffic between Napeague Meadow Road and Bluff Road, with detours in place using Abraham’s Landing Road. The Long Island Rail Road also temporarily suspended service between Amagansett and Montauk. The roadway reopened as of 6:19 p.m., officials said.

The East Hampton Town Police Department deployed a drone, equipped with thermal imaging technology, to help fire crews detect and extinguish remaining hot spots. Town fire marshals were joined by MTA fire marshals to investigate the cause, officials said.

Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez was in active communication throughout the incident with Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer’s Office, New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, and Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker, she said.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, and State Parks Police were also notified and involved in the response. Regional officials confirmed the deployment of a 24-hour fire watch beginning Wednesday night.

Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez issued the following statement: "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Amagansett, Montauk, and East Hampton Fire Departments; the East Hampton Town Police Department; our town fire marshals; and all the emergency personnel who acted swiftly to contain this fire. I especially want to recognize Police Officer Gerken, who was the first to report the fire while on patrol. This was a coordinated and professional response that protected both people and property. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who answered the call."

Town officials encourage residents and visitors to remain alert and to report any signs of smoke or fire to 911.