By Hank Russell
Two days after a series of fires broke out in eastern Brookhaven and the Town of Southampton, detectives from the Suffolk County Police Arson Section ruled the cause of the fires to be accidental.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, fires broke out on March 8 in Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport and Westhampton. The fires have been 100% knocked out, with 80% of the fire in Westhampton being contained. At least 700 acres were burned during the blaze.
LILP also reported that Suffolk County police employed 25 detectives to investigate the cause, a drone to examine the areas affected by the fires and investigators from the Arson Squad to survey the damage via helicopter to determine whether the fire was set accidentally or on purpose.
“Detectives believe the cause is related to a fire that spread following an attempt to make s’mores at a home on North Cozine Road in Manorville,” the SCPD said in a statement. “It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires. Police are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips.”
A burn ban is still in effect in the affected areas.