LI Brush Fires Spark Outreach In East Hampton On Mitigation Measures

EAST HAMPTON, NY — After the weekend's raging brush fires in Westhampton, East Hampton officials are taking steps to address what they have deemed a "growing threat."

"This past weekend’s brush fire is a stark reminder of the brush fire risks facing our region. We are deeply grateful to the local volunteer firefighters, first responders, and emergency management teams who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property. The response from fire departments across Long Island underscores the critical importance of regional cooperation in brush fire prevention and suppression," the East Hampton town board said in a release.

The Town of East Hampton, they said, has been actively working with New York State, SuffolkCounty, and local fire departments to address the growing brush fire threat, particularlywhere there has been a recent Southern Pine Beetle infestation that has led to dead and dry pine forests.

East Hampton town officials are currently reviewing proactive steps to reduce brush fire risk in Northwest Woods and Wainscott including, they said:

- Improving emergency access routes, maintaining fire roads, and clearing defensible space in town lands adjacent to private residences that may be considered at risk.

- Upgrading water access points.

- Working with property owners to ensure driveways and access roads are passable for emergency vehicles.

- Felling identified dead standing trees to reduce fire load and enhance safety for trail users.

In 2024 the town’s land acquisition and management department assessed the boundaries of preserved town-owned lands near private residences to identify and address potential tree hazards, officials said.

In Northwest Woods, active efforts to combat Southern Pine Beetle infestation took place from 2017 to 2021, resulting in the removal of more than 22,000 affected pitch pine trees to suppress the fast-moving infestation, officials said.

A comprehensive fuel mitigation and fire management plan is in development, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, local fire districts, and environmental specialists, officials said. The plan includes fuel break creation and habitat restoration strategies to protect our forests while reducing fire hazards.

As discussed during today’s town board work session by DEC Supervising Forester John Wernet, there is often concern that Southern Pine Beetle-infested trees significantly increase fire risk, but "fire science tells a more nuanced story," officials said.

When assessing fire hazards, wildfire experts classify fuels based on how quickly they dry and ignite. These categories include:

- 1-hour fuels: Fine materials like dry grass, pine needles, and small twigs, which dry out and ignite rapidly, fueling fast-moving fires.

- 10-hour fuels: Small branches and brush that can contribute to fire spread once ignited.

- 1,000-hour fuels: Large, dead-standing or fallen trees, which take months or even years to fully dry and become combustible.

Southern Pine Beetle-infested trees primarily fall into the 1,000-hour fuel category, meaning they do not pose an immediate fire risk in the same way that smaller fuels do, officials said. While those trees can burn under the right conditions, the real concern for fast-moving brush fires comes from fine fuels on the forest floor, such as dry grass, underbrush, and small twigs, not standing or felled trees, officials pointed out.

Fire mitigation efforts in Napeague State Park and Hither Hills State Park fall under the jurisdiction of New York State. Since the discovery of Southern Pine Beetle in the area in 2021 the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and DEC have implemented a multi-year habitat restoration and fire management plan in coordination with local partners, including the Town of East Hampton, officials said.

At a public meeting held on February 13 at Montauk Downs State Park, state officials outlined the steps being taken to address fire risk and restore the ecosystem in Napeague. This meeting provided an opportunity for residents to learn about past and future efforts and to ask questions directly to state representatives. A recording of the meeting is available here.

According to East Hampton Town officials, key state-led efforts in Napeague include:

- Creating fuel breaks near homes adjacent to the pitch pine forest to slow fire spread.

- Removing dead trees along trails, including the Promised Land Trail and the Paumanok Path, to improve safety and reduce wildfire fuel loads.

- Hiring a certified burn boss to oversee planned prescribed burns, which will help clear excess dry fuel in a controlled manner.

- Continuing habitat restoration efforts to promote resilient forests and reduce the likelihood of future Southern Pine Beetle outbreaks.

East Hampton officials said they support the state’s efforts in Napeague and remain committed to working closely with New York State, local fire districts, and environmental experts to enhance safety for residents and visitors.

Residents with questions about the state’s ongoing work in Napeague can contact OPRHP at 631-321-3529.

Brush fire prevention is a shared responsibility by all those in East Hampton, officials said. Property owners are urged to take the following steps to help protect their homes and the community:

- Clear dead trees and excessive brush from their properties, in compliance with town regulations. Residents with any questions on how to properly clear their homes of brush can contact the town's natural resources department at 631-324-0496.

- Ensure driveway accessibility for emergency vehicles, including maintaining adequate road width and gate access.

- Stay informed about fire risks and comply with any fire safety restrictions, especially during dry and windy conditions.

"As we reflect on the events of this past weekend, it is clear that brush fire prevention must remain a top priority," officials said. "The Town of East Hampton will continue to work closely with state and local partners to strengthen our preparedness and response capabilities. We are committed to keeping the public informed and taking every measure possible to reduce the risk of future brush fires.

"In that spirit, the Town of East Hampton wants to hear from you. As we work to strengthen brush fire prevention and response efforts, we invite residents to share their concerns, ask questions, and provide input on fire safety in our community. We will be hosting officials and fire safety experts at public town board work sessions to address community questions and outline ongoing and future fire mitigation strategies."

Residents can submit questions about fire safety by emailing FireSafety@ehamptonny.gov.

"Your input is essential as we work together to protect our homes, forests, and neighborhoods from the threat of brush fires," officials said.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez added: "I want our residents to know that East Hampton has been proactive for years in addressing this threat. From removing thousands of beetle-infested trees to improving emergency access routes and working closely with fire departments and environmental experts, we have been taking action to reduce risks and protect our community. But fire safety is a shared responsibility, and we know our residents have questions. We want to hear from you. We encourage the public to reach out withtheir concerns. Please email us at FireSafety@ehamptonny.gov, we’re here to listen and work together to keep our community safe."

And, said East Hampton Town Councilman Tom Flight: "Our firefighters and first responders did an outstanding job containing the brush fire, and we’re all grateful for their hard work and dedication. East Hampton has been taking action for years to stay ahead of the risks of fires like this. We’ve strengthened emergency access, managed town-owned lands to reduce fire hazards, and worked closely with experts to ensure our approach is smart and effective. This isn’t about reacting; it’s about long-term planning and preparation."

Officials added: "We thank all those who responded to the Westhampton fire for their dedication and bravery, and we encourage all residents to remain vigilant in protecting our community from the threat of brush fires."