Cuomo to take aerial tour of Manorville-Ridge blaze
ALBANY - Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is headed down to Suffolk County to take an aerial tour of the ongoing Manorville-Ridge blaze to determine whether a state of emergency should be declared.
"I want to see, exactly, the extent" of the fire, Cuomo told Newsday as he got into his state SUV at the Capitol steps at about 1:10 p.m. Tuesday. "Then, I'll make a decision once I'm down there."
Cuomo expressed confidence in the coordinated firefighting effort and Jerome Hauer, the state commissioner of homeland security and emergency services, who is directing state efforts.
"The progress we've seen through the day seems to be good," Cuomo said. "But I want to see it myself."
The governor is set to meet with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and other local officials. Bellone has asked Cuomo to make the emergency declaration.
The fire is currently estimated to have consumed 917 acres, which would make it the ninth-largest wildfire in New York since 1975, according to state records.
Human remains found in park ... Missing couple was traveling to Syracuse ... AG James to investigate Cornell ... Restaurant ready for Oktoberfest
Human remains found in park ... Missing couple was traveling to Syracuse ... AG James to investigate Cornell ... Restaurant ready for Oktoberfest
