Just after 1 PM on Saturday, Center Moriches Firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire on the eastbound side of Sunrise Highway, just east of Railroad Avenue. Crews arrived to find a large area of brush burning on the south side of the highway, with strong winds rapidly pushing the flames toward homes on Williams Street. Additional resources were requested from Mastic Fire Department to assist in containing the fire.

While our firefighters were battling the flames, three more brush fires ignited along Sunrise Highway in East Moriches, Eastport, and Westhampton. It took over an hour to bring the initial fire under control, but as soon as it was extinguished, Center Moriches crews were immediately sent to Westhampton to assist with a massive brush fire south of Sunrise Highway in the area of Gabreski Airport.

Firefighters from over 70 departments worked together to battle the Westhampton fire, ultimately bringing it under control after hours of grueling effort. After 5 long hours, Center Moriches crews safely returned home.

A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who put their lives on the line to protect our community. A special shoutout to Patchogue Fire Department for covering our district and ensuring Center Moriches residents remained safe while we were out on the front lines.