Fire in Riverhead: Stay Safe 2025 Guide

Why Staying Informed About Local Fires Matters

Whether youre relaxing at home in Astoria, Queens, or taking a weekend drive out to the North Fork wineries, you might find yourself passing through or staying in Riverhead. Fires dont respect ZIP codes, and knowing how to get reliable information both here in Queens and 60 miles east in Riverhead keeps you and your loved ones safer wherever your plans take you.

Fire in Riverhead incidents can happen at any time, and staying informed could save lives and property. Here’s what you need to know right now:

Current Fire Tracking Resources:

• Emergency Alerts: Suffolk County emergency notification system for real-time updates
• Official Sources: Riverhead Town Fire Marshal social media pages and town websites
• What to Do: Call 911 immediately if you spot a fire, provide exact location, evacuate safely

The Riverhead Fire Department handles over 1,400 emergency calls annually, from residential structure fires to brush fires in the Pine Barrens. Recent incidents in July 2025 show how quickly situations can escalate 3 firefighters responded to multiple major fires within just 10 hours, including a residential blaze on Northville Turnpike that required mutual aid from four neighboring departments.

Understanding the risks in both Queens and Suffolk County is crucial. Riverhead faces unique hazards from dry Pine Barrens conditions to emerging risks like battery storage facility fires, while Queens deals with dense urban structures and park-land brush fires in places like Forest Park. The all-volunteer Riverhead FD and the FDNY alike work around the clock, but residents need to know how to access real-time information and respond appropriately.

I’m Jeremy Rivera, and my experience with community safety and emergency preparedness has taught me the importance of staying connected during crises3whether its a fire in Riverhead or a building blaze in Astoria. This guide will show you exactly how to track active fires and stay safe across Long Island, so you can enjoy your day trip east and still get your favorite products delivered back home.

What Were the Major Recent Fires in Riverhead?

When you live in Riverhead, understanding what our local firefighters face helps us appreciate their dedication and prepare for emergencies. The Riverhead Fire Department handles everything from routine calls to major blazes, and sometimes they face multiple serious incidents in a single night.

What were the major fire in Riverhead incidents in July 2025?

The night of July 29-30, 2025, will go down as one of the most challenging stretches for our local firefighters. Over nearly 10 hours, they battled three separate emergencies that tested their skills and endurance.

It started at 11:01 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29th with what seemed like a routine call. The Riverhead Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at a golf club on Sound Avenue. About 25 firefighters quickly handled the situation, shutting down power to the golf cart storage area and clearing the scene by 11:39 p.m.

But their night was far from over. At 1:12 a.m. on July 30th, a much more serious emergency erupted – a fully involved commercial truck fire at 48 Kroemer Ave. This wasn’t just smoke and small flames; the entire truck was engulfed. Nearly 50 firefighters rushed to the scene with multiple engines and support vehicles, working for over half an hour to knock down the blaze.

The most demanding call came at 6:21 a.m. – a two-story residential structure fire at 954 Northville Turnpike. This fire in Riverhead required everything our department had, with approximately 50 firefighters deploying multiple engines, ladder trucks, and support vehicles. The scene was so intense that mutual aid was called from neighboring departments.

Even after clearing that major residential fire by 8:26 a.m., the firefighters weren’t done. They were called back to the same Northville Turnpike address at 9:04 a.m. to handle smoldering areas, finally wrapping up their marathon night at 9:48 a.m.

How extensive was the response?

The scale of response to these incidents shows just how seriously our community takes fire safety. When a major fire in Riverhead breaks out, it’s not just a few trucks that respond – it’s a coordinated effort involving dozens of brave volunteers.

For both the commercial truck fire and the residential structure fire, approximately 50 Riverhead firefighters responded to each scene. That’s a massive deployment of our all-volunteer force, showing their commitment to protecting our community.

The residential fire required the most resources: two engines, two ladder trucks, and three support vehicles from Riverhead alone. But what makes our fire protection truly effective is the mutual aid system that kicks in during major emergencies.

When the Northville Turnpike fire proved too big for one department, help arrived from Flanders FD, Jamesport FD, East Quogue FD, and Westhampton Beach FD. The Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance and Riverhead Town Volunteer Ambulance Corps provided medical support, while Eastport Fire Department stood ready as backup.

This cooperation between departments means that even when multiple serious fires happen in one night, our community stays protected through shared resources and expertise.

Were there any injuries reported?

Firefighting is dangerous work, especially during intense blazes like the residential fire on Northville Turnpike. The good news is that no civilian injuries were reported in any of these three incidents – a testament to both the quick response times and the effectiveness of our emergency services.

However, the physical demands of fighting fires took their toll. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion during the residential structure fire. Battling flames in full gear during the summer heat is exhausting work, and heat-related injuries are always a concern during major incidents.

Thankfully, the firefighter was treated at the scene and released quickly. This incident highlights why firefighter safety remains such a priority during emergency responses, with departments constantly monitoring their crews’ condition during long, demanding calls like that marathon night in July.

How to Track an Active Fire in Riverhead

When a fire in Riverhead breaks out, getting accurate information quickly isn’t just helpful – it could save your life. The difference between knowing what’s happening and being caught off guard can be crucial for your family’s safety.

Where can I find official real-time alerts?

The most reliable way to stay informed is through Suffolk County’s emergency notification system. This isn’t just another text service – it’s your direct line to official emergency information when seconds count.

When you sign up for the Suffolk County emergency notifications system, you’ll receive text message alerts sent directly to your phone. These alerts cover active fires, road closures around emergency scenes, and important public advisories that could affect your daily routine.

The best part? It’s completely free and takes just a few minutes to set up. Every household in Riverhead should have at least one person registered for these alerts. Think of it as your early warning system for emergencies.

Are there other reliable sources for information?

Beyond emergency alerts, several trusted sources can keep you updated during a fire in Riverhead incident. The Riverhead Town Fire Marshal’s social media page regularly posts updates about significant incidents and shares important fire safety information for our community.

Official town and department websites are goldmines of verified information. These sites often publish detailed incident reports and safety guidelines that go beyond what you’ll see in a quick text alert. They’re especially helpful for understanding the bigger picture during major incidents.

Local news outlets bring another valuable perspective, often having reporters who can provide context and details about how incidents might affect traffic, local businesses, or community events. Their coverage helps you understand not just what’s happening, but how it might impact your day.

Here’s something important to remember: social media can be both helpful and harmful during emergencies. While official pages are trustworthy, unverified posts from random accounts can spread false information faster than the actual fire spreads.

Always double-check dramatic claims against official sources before sharing them. Misinformation during emergencies can cause unnecessary panic or, worse, lead people to make dangerous decisions based on false reports.

How Do Emergency Crews Handle a Fire in Riverhead?

Ever wonder what magic happens after you dial 911 for a fire? It’s not magic, but a well-practiced symphony of coordinated efforts, highly trained personnel, and specialized equipment all working together seamlessly. Let’s pull back the curtain and see who springs into action when there’s a fire in Riverhead.

Who responds to a fire call?

At the very heart of the emergency response for a fire in Riverhead is our incredible Riverhead Fire Department. What makes them truly special? They are an all-volunteer force! Think about that for a moment: these are your neighbors, friends, and family, dedicating countless hours, training tirelessly, and rushing out at a moment’s notice to protect us all. Their dedication is a true testament to the community spirit here in Riverhead.

And their workload is substantial, reflecting just how much our community relies on them. In 2023, they responded to a staggering 1482 incidents. That number has been steadily climbing, too: they handled 1462 incidents in 2022, and 1356 incidents in 2021. Even looking back, their calls have soared from 964 incidents in 2009 to well over 1400 recently. This consistently high call volume for an all-volunteer force naturally means they are always looking for new heroes. If you’ve ever considered giving back to your community in a profound and impactful way, becoming a volunteer firefighter is an incredibly rewarding path. They constantly seek new members willing to train, serve, and protect us all.

How do different agencies work together?

A major fire incident is rarely handled by just one group. It’s a complex, multi-agency operation, and our community benefits immensely from strong mutual aid agreements and fantastic inter-agency collaboration. When the Riverhead Fire Department faces a large or particularly stubborn incident, they don’t hesitate to call for backup.

For instance, during that residential fire on Northville Turnpike we mentioned earlier, the Riverhead Fire Department received crucial assistance from the Flanders Fire Department, Jamesport Fire Department, East Quogue Fire Department, and Westhampton Beach Fire Department. Plus, the Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance and Riverhead Town Volunteer Ambulance Corps provided essential medical support. The Eastport Fire Department even stood by at Riverhead’s headquarters, ready to jump in if needed. This seamless teamwork ensures that enough personnel and equipment are always available to manage any emergency, no matter how big it gets.

Beyond the immediate firefighting, several other agencies play crucial roles:

• The Riverhead Town Police are often the first on scene, securing the area, managing traffic, and helping with crowd control. Their presence ensures the safety of both our emergency responders and the public.
• The Riverhead Fire Marshal’s Office is an integral part of the Town’s government. They are frequently called to the scene, bringing their expertise to investigate the origin and cause of fires. They also enforce fire codes and provide vital public education. We’ll chat more about their prevention efforts a little later!
• When the cause of a fire is suspicious or undetermined, especially in significant incidents like the commercial truck fire or residential blaze, the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad is brought in. They have specialized training and resources to conduct in-depth forensic investigations, working closely with the local Fire Marshal’s Office and police detectives. This collaborative approach ensures thorough investigations and accountability.

What happens after a fire in Riverhead is extinguished?

Once the flames are out and the immediate danger has passed, the work isn’t over. The scene of a fire in Riverhead transitions from active suppression to a meticulous investigation. This crucial phase is handled by a team of experts whose job it is to answer a very important question: “How did this happen?”

Typically, after a fire is declared under control and all immediate hazards are addressed, the scene is turned over to investigative agencies. For the incidents we discussed earlier, such as the residential fire on Northville Turnpike or the commercial truck fire on Kroemer Avenue, the investigation often falls to:

• The Riverhead Town Police Detective Division: They will secure the scene, collect initial witness statements, and document any immediate evidence they find.
• The Riverhead Fire Marshal’s Office: As the primary authority for fire investigations within the town, the Fire Marshal’s Office takes the lead. Their team carefully examines burn patterns, interviews witnesses, and analyzes debris to determine the fire’s origin and cause. They also ensure fire codes are being followed and identify any violations that might have contributed to the incident.
• The Suffolk County Police Arson Squad: If the Fire Marshal’s preliminary investigation suggests the fire was deliberately set, or if the cause remains a mystery even after thorough examination, the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad steps in. This specialized unit brings advanced forensic capabilities to the table, helping to uncover complex causes, which can range from accidental electrical faults to criminal arson.

The goal of these investigations isn’t just to assign blame. Primarily, it’s to prevent future incidents. By understanding how fires start, authorities can put better prevention strategies in place, update safety codes, and educate the public on specific risks. It’s a painstaking process, but one that is vital for our community’s long-term safety.

How Can We Prevent Fires in Riverhead?

Our Riverhead Fire Department does an amazing job responding to emergencies, and we’re so grateful for their dedication. But you know what? The very best fire in Riverhead is the one that never even starts! Understanding the fire risks unique to our area and taking steps to prevent them are super important for keeping our community safe.

What are the biggest fire risks in the area?

Riverhead has its own special blend of geography and weather, which means we face some specific fire risks. It’s good for all of us to be aware of them.

First up are brush fires, especially in the Pine Barrens. You see, parts of Long Island, including areas right here in and around Riverhead, have a lot of dry vegetation like pine trees and scrub. This stuff can catch fire really easily. When we have dry weather and strong winds, these fires can spread incredibly fast and become huge. Think of it like a giant domino effect. That’s why you hear about “Red Flag Warnings” from the weather folks – those are super important alerts telling us that the fire danger is high. We’ve seen how quickly these fires can get out of hand. Remember the Westhampton Pines Fire? It might have started from an accidental s’mores fire (oops!). But it ended up burning between 600 and 700 acres, needing nearly 80 different fire departments and over 600 firefighters and EMS workers to get it under control. Strong winds, up to 35 mph, made it even tougher. This kind of event reminds us of historic blazes like the Sunrise Fire of 1995, which gobbled up thousands of acres. While officials are much better prepared now, and we hope a fire like that won’t happen again, the potential is always there.

Then there are emerging risks, like battery storage facility fires. With New York aiming for big goals in renewable energy (like 70% renewable by 2030), we’re seeing more of these battery energy storage systems (BESS) pop up. But these aren’t your typical fires. We saw three commercial BESS facilities catch fire in New York just last summer. That’s why Governor Kathy Hochul even put together a special state group to look into their safety. Riverhead Town has its own rules for BESS facilities, allowing them in certain areas. But some of our neighbors, like Southold and Southampton, have paused new projects to study the fire and safety concerns more. These fires are tricky because they can cause unique problems, like needing “shelter-in-place” orders due to air quality worries and concerns about water runoff when firefighters are putting them out.

And, of course, we can’t forget commercial and residential structure fires. As we saw with those incidents in July 2025, homes and businesses can catch fire at any time. Take the massive fire at a recycling facility in Calverton as an example. It involved asbestos and needed 30 to 35 departments working for nine hours to put out. These kinds of fires can have a huge impact on our environment and our whole community.

How does the town promote fire safety?

Our local government plays a super important role in keeping us safe from fires. They do this mainly through the amazing work of the Riverhead Town Fire Marshal’s Office. This office is all about protecting everyone who lives and visits here.

The Riverhead Town Fire Marshal’s Office has a clear mission. They are serious about code enforcement, which means they make sure everyone follows the fire safety rules from New York State and the Town of Riverhead. They regularly inspect commercial buildings and properties to ensure they’re safe. And they take action against neglected properties that could be a fire hazard.

They also offer fantastic public education programs. They know that learning about fire safety is key. They’re a great source for fire prevention tips and safety materials. If you ask, they’ll even put on educational programs for residents, businesses, and schools, teaching everyone how to spot risks and stay safe. They even have special programs for juvenile firesetters, working with Suffolk County and other towns to help prevent future incidents.

Their team also handles building inspections. They regularly check existing commercial buildings and businesses to make sure they’re always following the rules. (Just a heads-up, one- and two-family homes and farm buildings are usually not included in these regular checks). This proactive approach helps them find and fix potential fire dangers before they become big problems.

The office is also responsible for permit issuance. They issue different permits based on state and town rules, like for places where lots of people gather (Public Assembly) or for storing and using hazardous materials. This way, they make sure activities with higher fire risks are done safely and meet all the necessary standards.

Finally, they offer strong support for our volunteer fire departments. They give professional and technical help with things like managing incidents, investigating fires, and training. This makes sure our incredible volunteers have all the resources they need to protect us.

By combining strict rules with helpful education and strong support, the Riverhead Town Fire Marshal’s Office works hard every day to make our community a safer place for all of us.

Frequently Asked Questions about Riverhead Fires

We know you might have more questions about how to stay safe and informed about a fire in Riverhead. It’s completely natural to wonder, and we’re here to answer some of the most common inquiries we hear from our community members across Queens and Long Island.

What should I do if I see a fire?

Spotting a fire can be alarming, but knowing what to do in that crucial moment can make all the difference. Your first and most important step, whether the fire seems big or small, is to call 911 immediately. Every second counts in a fire emergency. When you call, try to provide a clear and precise location. This means giving the exact street address, mentioning cross streets, or pointing out any easily identifiable landmarks nearby. The more accurate information you can share, the faster our emergency services can get there to help.

Your safety is the absolute top priority. Unless it’s a very small, contained fire (like a cooking fire that you know how to safely extinguish with the right equipment), do not attempt to fight the fire yourself. Fire can spread incredibly fast and produce dangerous smoke. Instead, focus on getting yourself and anyone else in the vicinity to a safe distance, away from the smoke and flames. Stay put in that safe spot until emergency personnel arrive and give you further instructions. They are the experts, and they’ll guide you on what to do next.

How can I get official updates during a major fire?

When a major fire in Riverhead incident occurs, it’s easy to get caught up in rumors. That’s why having reliable, official information is so important for your peace of mind and safety. The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up for the Suffolk County emergency notification system. This fantastic service can send real-time text alerts directly to your phone, giving you official advisories as soon as they’re available. Its truly the fastest way to get verified updates straight from the source.

Beyond text alerts, make sure to monitor the official websites and social media pages of our local authorities. Regularly check the official website of the Town of Riverhead and the Riverhead Fire Department’s news section. The Riverhead Town Fire Marshal’s social media page is also a great place for updates. These sources provide verified information directly from the authorities, helping you avoid misinformation. You can also tune into reputable local news outlets, as they often provide ongoing coverage during significant incidents.

How can I support the Riverhead Fire Department?

Our Riverhead Fire Department is an absolute cornerstone of their community, and their dedication is truly inspiring. The fact that it’s an all-volunteer force makes their commitment even more remarkable. These brave men and women dedicate countless hours, often leaving their own families and jobs, to protect lives and property.

If you’ve ever felt a calling to give back in a profound way, consider volunteering with the department. Even if volunteering isnt for you, you can still make a huge difference by supporting community fundraisers. Keep an eye out for local events and initiatives organized to help the RFD. Your financial contributions help them acquire essential equipment, maintain their facilities, and provide top-notch training. Finally, simply following their news and updates helps too. Staying informed about their activities, achievements, and any specific needs they might have allows you to share their stories and encourage others to support them.