Crews from Kings Park Fire Department are among those who are still responding to the wild brush fires in and around the Ridge and Manorville areas, helping to contain at least four separate fires that broke out. A department employee said rotating crews have been sent back and forth for the purpose of relief as more than 100 fire departments from Suffolk and Nassau worked overnight to contain the situation.
An acrid smell of smoke blankets the entire East End as, according to Riverhead Town Police Chief David Hegermiller, the fires have been contained.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said on Tuesday morning that the brush fires in Ridge are still actively burning and not under control, although the area of the blaze did not expand overnight.
There is no need for additional evacuations, he said in an impromptu, televised press briefing.
Bellone said if winds pick up later today the situation could change again and all means are being employed to get as much water on the flames before winds shift.
Efforts are underway to retrive six fire brush trucks that became stuck in the marshy area late last night, as reported by Patch. Those trucks were in no danger, just stuck, volunteer firefighters reported.
Bellone commended firefighters who have been fighting the flames in dangerous conditions.
