NEW YORK – Over the weekend, several brush fires erupted in a wooded area on Long Island due to a family’s attempt to prepare s’mores, according to a statement released by Suffolk County police on Monday.
Authorities, led by Commissioner Kevin Catalina, traced the source of these incidents to a home situated in Manorville, where a casual morning activity of concocting the campfire treat—consisting of a toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers—was underway.
“The individuals trying to make s’mores faced difficulty igniting the fire because of the wind. They subsequently used cardboard to initiate the flame,” Catalina detailed during a news conference. “Once the fire lit, it quickly spread throughout the backyard area.”
Although the initial blaze was put out by around 10:30 a.m., it is believed that embers carried by the wind ignited several other fires in different locations.
The situation escalated, prompting Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency on Saturday. This urgent action followed the rapid spread of four wind-driven fires across the expansive Pine Barrens region on Long Island, resulting in highway closures and necessitating the evacuation of a nearby military base.
Firefighting crews managed to bring the fires under control by Sunday, yet they continued to stay vigilant as strong winds persisted.
Three firefighters were treated for injuries at the hospital and subsequently discharged, as mentioned by Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Rudy Sunderman on Sunday.
The fires inflicted damage on at least two commercial properties, underscoring the unpredictable and hazardous nature of such events.
