New York wildfire: Roads closed as helicopters rain water over blazing pine barrens in Long Island

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency as state agencies responded to fires in the Pine Barrens, a wooded area near commuter towns east of New York City. She warned that homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse were at risk, with potential for further evacuations. (AP photo)

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency as state agencies responded to fires in the Pine Barrens, a wooded area near commuter towns east of New York City. She warned that homes, a chemical factory, and an Amazon warehouse were at risk, with potential for further evacuations. (AP photo)

An HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter from the 106th Rescue Wing, along with three New York Army National Guard helicopters based in Ronkonkoma, were deployed to assist in the response, the New York National Guard said in a news release. (AP photo)

Drones were deployed to provide aerial surveillance of the fires, which spread across a 7-mile radius near Westhampton and Eastport on the South Shore. (AP photo)

Aerial shots provide a bird’s-eye view of the wildfires stretching across a 7-mile radius, showing scorched land, advancing flames, and emergency crews fighting to contain the inferno. (AP photo)

Thick plumes of smoke rise above the tree line, darkening the sky over Long Island, while falling ash creates an eerie haze over neighbourhoods and highways. (AP photo)

Fire trucks, brush units, and emergency responders regroup and prepare for another gruelling battle against the flames as winds threaten to reignite hotspots. (AP photo)

Officials reported that three of the four fires were fully contained, while the Westhampton fire was 50% contained. Two commercial buildings sustained partial damage, but no homes were at risk. (AP photo)