Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Mulch/Brush Fire Put Out; Firefighters Pack Up

Tankers and engines were called to help battle the latest East End blaze.

Over 100 firefighters helped to extinguish a brush and mulch fire that broke out just west of Speonk-Riverhead Road and south of Sunrise Highway on Sunday afternoon.

The fire was put out in just under three hours.

Over 100 firefighters responded to the scene, from fire departments including Riverhead, Westhampton Beach, Eastport, Flanders, Center Moriches, Hampton Bays, Jamesport, and Southampton.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The fire was reported at approximately 1 p.m. The fire was tamed in just under three hours altough initially, Westhampton Beach Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Bill Dalton said mulch fires can last for ours and predicted a long night.

During the event, a steady stream of tankers headed to the site to help extinguish the fire.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

No injuries or damage to any structures or residences were reported, although Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance responders were at the scene.

Traffic continued to move as normal on both Sunrise Highway and Speonk-Riverhead Road. The evening commute will not be affected by the fire.

Following is a timeline of events:

Update 3:34 p.m.: According to fire officials, the fire has been extinguished.

Update 2:50 p.m.: Westhampton Beach War Memorial Ambulance has responded to the scene. It is not clear yet if there have been any injuries. There is also a steady flow of water tankers to the scene.

Update 2:45 p.m.: An Eastport firefighter at the scene said, "We are just going to keep throwing water on it until it goes out."

Update 2:40 p.m.: Traffic is moving on Speonk-Riverhead Road and Sunrise Highway has not been affected by the fire.

Update 2:20 p.m.: Westhampton Beach Fire Police said no structures or residences appear to be in immediate danger from the fire. Over 100 firefighters are on the scene battling the mulch/brush blaze.

Update 1:55 p.m.: Bill Dalton, of the , confirmed that a mulch/brush fire broke out about a mile north of 1233 Speonk- Riverhead Road. He said mulch burns for hours.

"We have a long night ahead of us," he said.

Firefighters from other areas are continuing to respond to the area, including , Riverhead, Jamesport, Quogue, Center Moriches, Southampton and Flanders.

Original Story:

Firefighters are responding to a new fire two miles east of Manorville, on Speonk-Riverhead Road, on the south side of Montauk Highway in the Eastport and Speonk area. 

According to Eastport Fire Department officials, who have command of the fire, the fire, a mulch fire, could spread. Five trucks have been sent from the Eastport Fire Department; units are also responding from , , and East Moriches.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.