Wildfires

Smoke and haze from 83 large wildfires in the the western U.S. are moving across New York State, prompting health officials to issue an air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter today. It is in effect through midnight.

The fires burned 167 acres of Pine Barrens in Brookhaven and Riverhead towns over the past month, according to the State DEC.

Several area fire departments battled a brush fire in Manorville and Ridge this afternoon.

With critical fire weather conditions expected, the National Weather Service in Upton has issued a red flag warning for rapid fire spread from noon to 6 p.m. on May 13.

The National Weather Service in New York has issued a red flag warning for the tri-state area... in effect from noon to 8 PM today .

Firefighters on the ground battling the April 11 Flanders brush fire are angry about county executive's remarks that what they need is 'training' and by pine barrens commission's reluctance to clear fire lanes, remove dead trees over concern for wildlife habitat.

County and state officials Monday announced plans for a permanent brush fire training course in Yaphank. But Flanders Fire Chief Joe Pettit said, "Our problem is not lack of training or lack of experience. It’s the condition of the forest.”