S'mores Fire Likely Sparked Wildfires Across Long Island, NY
The four wildfires on Long Island Sunday were likely caused by a resident cooking s'mores in the backyard.
When the fire wouldn't start, the resident lit cardboard that spread fire to the backyard, 6abc reported.
They believed the fire was extiguished about 10:30 a.m. but officials say embers from the backyard fire likely traveled and sparked the three other fires.
Just before 1 p.m., a second fire was reported an eighth of a mile way and minutes later, a third fire was discoved less than a half-mile from the second. The fourth fire was reported a quarter mile away about the same time.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in the town of Southampton in Suffolk County. A burn ban for Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley due to gusty winds and lower humidity -- in effect now through March 16 when the statewide burn ban begins.
Two firefighters were injured while battling the fires, including one who suffered a second-degree burn to his face and another who suffered a head injury. Both firefighters have since been released from the hospital.
While the probe continues, fire investigators believe it was accidental.
