Suffolk County Police rule brush fires in the pine barrens as accidental

The Suffolk County Police Department released the following statement on March 10 on the brush fires in the pine barrens this past weekend:

“Following an investigation by Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives, the cause of multiple
brush fires on March 8 has been preliminarily ruled accidental. Detectives believe the cause is related to
a fire that spread following an attempt to make s’mores at a home on North Cozine Road in Manorville.
It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires.
Police are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips.”