Part Of Fire Island Temporarily Closed To Beach Driving

FIRE ISLAND, NY — The area between Bellport Beach and Long Cove on Fire Island will be temporarily closed to beach driving until further notice due to a narrowing of the beach, Fire Island National Seashore officials said Tuesday.

The closure affects all seashore driving permits.

Sportsman’s vehicle permit holders are restricted to the 3.4-mile stretch of beach from Smith Point to Bellport Beach, and permitted driving access to Fire Island communities from Smith Point is also currently suspended.

All permitted drivers whose destinations are communities will need to access from the west at the Fire Island Lighthouse, according to officials.

The closure is necessary to prevent further erosion of vulnerable beach areas and to protect the primary dune, which can be damaged by vehicle traffic, officials said, noting that during the colder months, offshore sandbars form, which creates scarps, reducing the width of the beach and making driving difficult.

It forces vehicles closer to the primary dune, which risks harm to its structure and vegetation, officials said.

Drivers are reminded to always remain at least 20 feet away from dune vegetation and to never drive on, through, or behind the dunes.

For the latest updates, call the driving hotline at 631-569-2591, visit nps.gov/fiis, or email fiis_information@nps.gov.