There is an increased chance wildfires could spread across Long Island this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which released a special weather statement to that effect early this morning.
The statement released before 5 a.m. today said weather conditions expected this afternoon are conducive to spreading wildfires, as wind gusts between 20 and 25 mph combine with low relative humidity. This will create an enhanced threat for the spread of wildfires, according to the NOAA.
The Riverhead Fire Department has already doused a small fire today after mulch in front of the Roanoke Avenue Verizon Wireless store ignited just after 11 a.m.
Within minutes, 51-year firefighting veteran Jim Creighton handily put out the flames, which Riverhead Fire Chief Tony White said “could have been caused by anything.”
“Someone could have just dropped a cigarette or a match,” White said.
PHOTO CAPTION: 51-year Riverhead firefighting veteran, Jim Creighton, douses a fire in front of Verizon Wireless just after 11 a.m.
RiverheadLOCAL photo by Gianna Volpe
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