Gratitude for the firefighters who beat back the Sunrise blaze was on the minds of the officials who turned out at the scene.
“I cannot say enough about the volunteer firefighters and all of the EMS personnel that showed up on their own time to help put out this fire,” said County Executive Ed Romaine, who also gave a shout-out to law enforcement and other agencies involved. “We are deeply appreciative of them.”
Speaking at a news conference at Gabreski Airport on Sunday, Romaine was joined by local, state, and federal officials who were glad to announce that the fire was brought under control. Fears that the blaze would reach the size of the conflagration that consumed 7,000 acres in 1995 were relieved as 90 departments from across Long Island got the fire under control in about 12 hours.
Once firefighters gained the upper hand, Social Media lit up with people expressing their gratitude.
“Amidst the brush fires that have sparked today in the Pine Barrens, we at Suffolk AME commend the unwavering bravery and selflessness displayed by our members, who have joined the relentless battle against these wildfires,” wrote Dan Levler, president of the Association of Municipal Employees. “It is with immense pride that Suffolk AME represents such a profoundly altruistic membership, knowing that many of our brothers and sisters are valiantly serving in essential roles within FRES, OEM, as First Responders in Telecommunications, as well as volunteering as firefighters and first responders.”
“Hats off to all of the volunteers and emergency management officials who stepped up to get the Sunrise fire under control so quickly,” posted Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “The officials leading the responding departments and agencies turned out to express their appreciation, and l do as well.”
“Thank you to all of the firefighters, police, EMS, and all other emergency personnel for your incredible bravery and fast response,” said Senator Dean Murray.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who responded and fought back these fires,” Legislator Chad Lennon said. “I, along with my other colleagues in the legislature, will push for the state and federal governments to provide all the aid that will be needed in our next phase.”
“Enormously grateful to Fire Departments and EMS from Montauk to Amityville and Nassau County in their coordinated, cooperative response to 4 wildfires that started earlier this afternoon between Westhampton and Center Moriches,” Legislator Ann Welker posted. “Impressive response from over 70 Fire Departments and 20 Ambulance Corps that contained all of the fires, despite strong gusty winds from the northwest.”
“A heartfelt thank you to the courageous Fire Departments and EMS from Montauk to Amityville for their incredible teamwork in tackling the wildfires between Westhampton and Center Moriches,” stated Legislator Catherine Stark. “Special thanks to County Executive Edward Romaine for his exemplary leadership.”
“Thank you to our heroes,” said Legislator Jim Mazzarella. “I cannot stress enough the appreciation and admiration I have for those in our Fire Services and EMS for the work they do. May God watch over them and keep them safe.”
“My thoughts are with the two brave volunteer Firefighters who were injured in the response— one suffering potential second-degree burns and the other with a head injury,” Congressman Nick LaLota said at the scene. “Fortunately, neither injury is life-threatening.”
County Executive Romaine noted that unlike the situation in California, which saw massive devastation in Los Angeles, the Sunrise firefighters had ample water to combat the flames. “We have fire hydrants along County Road 31, and they all work,” he noted. “Bless you to Gavin Newsom. Make sure your fire hydrants work, buddy.”