Brush fires on New York's Long Island fanned by high winds have picked up quickly. The fires were spewing thick gray smoke into the sky and closed a major highway on Saturday.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Saturday after several wind-driven brush fires broke out in New York’s Long Island, sending large smoke plumes into the air and shutting down a highway.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Saturday afternoon as dozens of fire departments responded to Long Island’s Pine Barrens to gain control of massive brush fires fueled by strong winds.