Southampton Town Issues State of Emergency Amid Wildfire Threat

In response to critical fire risks posed by ongoing dry weather, high winds, and environmental degradation, the Town of Southampton declared a State of Emergency on Friday, Nov. 8.

The emergency order, effective from 1 p.m. on Friday, allows for measures to safeguard the town amid “explosive fire growth potential.”

The conditions fueling the declaration include prolonged drought, intense wind conditions, and dry vegetation exacerbated by Southern Pine Beetle infestations, which have increased fuel for potential fires across woodland areas.

Southampton’s state of emergency was extended on Tuesday and is set to remain in effect until Sunday, Nov. 17. This comes after a brush fire spanned about 20 acres in Baiting Hollow on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Despite some light rain Sunday evening on parts of Long Island, weather forecasts continue to predict dry weather.

In line with Southampton’s emergency order, all recreational outdoor fires and burning activities are temporarily banned to mitigate the wildfire risk. Southampton departments, including the police, parks, and public Safety, are coordinating to provide emergency assistance, alongside volunteer fire departments and ambulance services.

The National Weather Service also issued a Red Flag Warning on Friday across Long Island due to the severe fire risk and forecasting sustained dry conditions, which is still in effect.