Albany, NY (April 10, 2012)
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County to allow New York State to better coordinate and respond with local governments to fight the ongoing wildfires on Long Island.
“With these wildfires causing serious damage on Long Island and other areas of the state, the state of emergency declaration will help us deploy vital resources to affected regions,” Governor Cuomo said. “The state continues to closely monitor the wildfires in Suffolk County, and we will continue to deploy whatever resources are necessary and do whatever is needed to protect New Yorkers and put out these fires.”
Three fires continue to burn in southeastern New York State. The largest fire is in Suffolk County, covering territory in the municipalities of Ridge, Wading River, Manorville and Brookhaven. A small number of residences have been evacuated as a precaution and shelter has been made available by the American Red Cross. Smaller fires have been reported on Staten Island, New York City and in Rockland County. A Red Flag Warning was issued by the National Weather Service effective 10:00 AM this morning to 8:00 PM this evening for New York City and Long Island.
A state of emergency enables New York to mobilize state resources to assist local governments more effectively and quickly, and if necessary gives the Governor the authority to suspend statutes, rules and regulations that would impede response and recovery activities. The declaration further gives the Governor the ability to direct state resources, such as firefighting equipment and personnel, to local governments in need. The declaration applies to Suffolk County.
Steps taken by New York State include: