Crews battling multiple brush fires on Long Island, officials say

Crews were battling several brush fires on New York’s Long Island Saturday.

There were “three major brush fires” burning on the island’s East End, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine reported. The size and scope of the blazes was still unclear. There was also no word on what may had sparked them, or whether any structures were threatened. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Saturday afternoon that she had spoken with Romaine and “informed him that the State of New York is here to provide any resources and support he needs.”

Hochul said that the New York National Guard had been deployed to provide air support, along with personnel from the “Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, State Parks and the New York State Police.” 

“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” Hochul said.   

Sunrise Highway was shut down past exit 58, along with Speonk Riverhead Road, officials say.

The CBS News New York First Alert Weather Team said ongoing winds, along with very low levels of humidity, were creating an increased risk of wildfire development throughout the weekend.

Officials were expected to provide an update later Saturday afternoon.

Stay with CBS News New York for the latest on this developing story.