Brush-fire risk continues this weekend

Weather conditions on Long Island that contributed to a rash of brush fires are expected to continue at least through Monday, prompting warnings against outdoor burning.

The National Weather Service in Upton issued a red-flag fire-risk warning Saturday morning, citing strong winds, low humidity and dry ground cover.

The warning was in effect until 8 Saturday night for northeastern, northwestern, southeastern and southwestern Suffolk County, and northern and southern Nassau. Wind gusts were expected up to 30 mph.

Mike Layer, a Weather Service meteorologist, said the one weather ingredient that would ease the threat -- rain -- isn't likely, at least through Monday.

"We have a minimal chance of precipitation," Layer said.

Fires can spread rapidly under the current conditions, and outdoor burning increases the risk.

Firefighters put out several brush fires Friday and Saturday.

In Suffolk County yesterday, firefighters battled a large brush fire that started shortly before 4 p.m. in Yaphank at Shannon Boulevard and Donald Avenue.

Seven area fire departments were sent to the blaze, which was controlled shortly after 6 p.m. Fire officials were unsure how many acres had been charred.

On Friday, Manorville, East Moriches and East Northport fire crews were sent to a brush fire at Manorville Hills County Park about 12:30 p.m. The fire, in the southwest corner of the park, was extinguished by late afternoon, fire officials said.

About 1 p.m. Friday, the Coram, Miller Place and Middle Island departments quickly doused a fire in Coram near Latimer Avenue, fire officials said.

About 7:35 p.m. Friday, Nassau County arson investigators looked into a fire that may have been intentionally set at Silver Lake Park, off Foxhurst Road in Baldwin.