潘金莲传媒映画

Four brush fires that broke out over the weekend on Long Island are being investigated as possible arsons.

The brush fires that were driven by 35 mph winds were contained on Sunday by first responders before they could cross the highway into a pine barrens reserve or reach a local airport or homes. Two firefighters were injured and two industrial buildings were damaged.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine praised local volunteer firefighters, emergency response teams and the National Guard for their efforts and thanked federal, state, county and local officials who had also offered to help if needed. He said the fire “could have created a big problem” had it not been contained when it was. He said the fire was driven by strong winds and many downed trees in the area.

The National Guard helped with water dumps and drones that identified hot spots.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said arson investigators should know within a few days whether the fire was set “naturally or is of nefarious origin.” Catalina said 25 detectives are using drones and helicopters and interviewing all 911 callers.

The fire area stretched three miles on the south side of the Sunrise Highway from Center Moriches towards Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Saturday and deployed the New York National Guard, state fire management, emergency and environmental teams to assist local responders.

Hochul also directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to implement an immediate burn ban for Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley until the annual statewide ban on residential brush burning takes effect on March 16.