Massive Brush Fire 'Controlled' On Long Island: Police

RIVERHEAD, NY — Firefighters battled a massive brush fire in Baiting Hollow early Saturday, officials said.

Police said the fire was controlled shortly after 10 a.m. by firefighters. A total of 20 acres were affected by the Sound Avenue fire, police say; no evacuations were needed. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, police said.

According to the Riverhead Police Department, the fire broke out at 12:30 a.m.in a wooded area on the east side of 3000 Sound Avenue, east of the Friar's Head Golf Course. The Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department, along with 17 other departments from Cutchogue to Farmingville, were actively battling the blaze Saturday morning, officials said. Seven EMS agencies and three law enforcement agencies also responded, police said.

The fire appears to have been contained within the wooded area, police said.

The fire scene was turned over to the New York State Fire Ranger's Office for further investigation, police said.

A red flag warning, meaning critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring, was issued for Long Island by the National Weather Service this week. That warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday.

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger., the NWS said.

Officials offered tips on how to prevent the fires:

-If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

-Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.

-Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.

-Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.