LaLota Praises First Responders; Pushes for Prevention Measures in the Wake of Pine Barrens Fires
SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – After spending Sunday in Westhampton Beach, N.Y. coordinating with First Responders and officials at all levels of government, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) issued the following statement regarding the brush fires that burned parts of the Towns of Brookhaven and Southampton on March 8th and 9th.
"Our First Responders showed incredible bravery battling the recent brush fires in Brookhaven and Southampton — now every level of government must meet that courage with action," said Rep. LaLota. "Even if initial estimates suggest the damage may fall short of the federal disaster threshold, that’s no excuse for Washington policymakers to sit on their hands. The U.S. Senate should swiftly pass the House’s bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, which includes my amendment to address the Pine Beetle crisis fueling these fires. Additionally, the Governor must step up with more resources for controlled burns and support forest clearing policies to prevent the next large-scale fire. Our First Responders fought to protect us — now we must fight to protect our communities, forests, and drinking water."
To read the full text of the Fix Our Forests Act, click HERE.
Background:
The fires, fueled by dangerously high winds, left at least two Firefighters injured, scorched the Long Island Pine Barrens nature preserve, and came dangerously close to damaging Gabreski Airport — home to the U.S. Air Force’s 106th Rescue Wing, whose members were actively engaged in fighting the blaze.
Congress’ Fix Our Forests Act would streamline National Environmental Policy Act regulations to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest management, enhance ecological resilience, and support rural economies. Furthermore, this legislation would mandate a comprehensive study of the causes, effects, and potential solutions for the pine beetle outbreaks in the Northeastern United States. This study would inform targeted actions to mitigate the impact of these pests on forest ecosystems. The Fix Our Forest Act passed the House with Congressman LaLota’s support on January 23, 2025.
In September 2024, LaLota’s amendment to the Fix Our Forests Act successfully passed, directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct this same study, underscoring the critical need to address the threats posed by the southern pine beetle to vital habitats and natural resources. The bill passed the House in November.
The Pine Barrens, crucial for preserving clean drinking water and home to endangered species, have suffered significant damage from the pine beetle infestation.