State official addresses concerns about air quality, dry woodlands
Amanda Lefton, the acting commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said her agency is focused on coordinating air resources to dampen dry woodlands, including bucket drops by the National Guard, while also monitoring air quality around the fire.
"At this time, we're not seeing any increased threat from air quality," Lefton said, adding that if people do smell smoke they should head indoors or wear masks to protect themselves.
Lefton said the DEC does not believe Saturday's fires will have a major impact on the Pine Barrens ecosystem, which she called a "fire-dependent system."
"This is what helps the Pine Barrens actually regrow and get more healthy over time," Lefton said, adding that the growth will begin after the next rain and continue over the next couple of years.
Grant Parpan covers Suffolk County courts and federal courts for Newsday. A Long Island native, he joined Newsday in 2022.
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