Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today commended the heroic efforts of local fire departments and emergency personnel in their rapid response to the Westhampton Pines Fire, which has burned approximately 400 acres on Long Island. Thanks to the dedication of more than 600 firefighters and 80 fire departments, the blaze is now 80% contained, preventing further devastation to the community.

“This fire was an immense challenge, but the bravery and skill of our first responders helped ensure the damage was minimized and no lives were lost,” said DeStefano. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the firefighters, emergency personnel, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to contain the fire and protect our community.”

The fire, which began on Saturday afternoon and was exacerbated by strong 35 mph winds, impacted multiple commercial buildings and caused injuries to two firefighters. Both are recovering at home. In response to the ongoing dry conditions, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a prohibition on most types of outdoor fires across Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley, which will remain in place until March 16, when the annual statewide outdoor fire ban takes effect.

“The safety of our residents must always be a top priority. We must continue to support our fire departments with the resources they need to combat these dangerous wildfires and ensure proactive measures are in place to prevent future incidents. As we recover from this event, I urge residents to remain vigilant and adhere to the fire safety restrictions currently in place,” said DeStefano. “Together, we can work to prevent future wildfires and protect our communities.”