Fire Island burns
A large fire has damaged large parts of the commercial district of the Fire Islands Pines community in Brookhaven on New York State’s Fire Island.
19 fire departments battled to contain the flames which have reportedly destroyed at least seven landmark buildings including the La Fountaine, Canteen, Sandpiper, Sip and Twirl, Blue Whale and Pavilion buildings amongst others.
The fire started at around 9.15pm and appears to have been driven by wind.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the fire started at the Sip and Twirl before igniting gas tanks at La Fountaine which spread to the Pavilion, Canteen and Pool deck and thereon to other areas.
So far there are no reports of death or injuries and residential parts of the iconic gay community appear to be safe from the fires.
