Senate Resolution No. 530
BY: Senator PALUMBO
HONORING the volunteer firefighters, New York Air
National Guard 106th Rescue Wing, and New York State
agencies for their valiant efforts in combating the
brush fires in Suffolk County, Long Island
WHEREAS, First responders exemplify the power of human compassion
and the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most
heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit
tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, March 8, 2025, a brush fire began in Suffolk
County, Long Island, burning approximately 400 to 600 acres of land
spanning from Center Moriches to Westhampton, New York; and
WHEREAS, The scene required the emergency assistance of around 600
volunteers from 80 fire departments, as well as 10 ambulance crews to
help combat the fires; other reinforcements consisting of the New York
Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing, the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, New York State Fire, New York State Division
of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York State Department
of Transportation, the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, New York
State Police, and the help of numerous elected officials arrived on
scene to strategize, provide vital resources, and fight the blazes; and
WHEREAS, With increased wind velocities and a lack of adequate
precipitation affecting the area, there was an increased opportunity for
fire to spread rampantly; and
WHEREAS, Emergency response crews worked diligently for extensive
hours knocking down flames and creating a fire break around the
perimeter of the fire to prevent its further spread; a fire break is a
wide gap of land cleared of natural materials such as trees, bushes,
roots, and grasses, reducing the presence of flammable organic
materials; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the fires, a state of emergency was declared
on March 8, 2025, to prioritize the deployment of ground and air support
for immediate fire suppression; four New York National Guard Helicopters
conducted 88 water drops totaling more than 24,000 gallons on the same
day; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, a burn ban went into effect for Long Island,
New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley on March 9, 2025, to lower
the probability of such a detrimental natural disaster of happening
again; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the expeditious and professional efforts of the
countless volunteers and responders to the scene, the fires were fully
contained by Monday, March 10, 2025; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude
to those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of
life, nature, and property is a sacred responsibility benefitting the
greater good; and
WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help
others and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with
family and friends to respond to the signal of an emergency; these
volunteers heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection and
selfless service to one's community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the volunteer firefighters, New York Air National Guard 106th
Rescue Wing, and various New York State agencies for their valiant
efforts in combating the brush fires in Suffolk County, Long Island; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lawrence Saccente, Chief of Westhampton Beach Fire
Department.
