Fire Island Gets New Pipe and Eight New Fire Hydrants

Superstorm Sandy destroyed all fire hydrants and water wells five years ago, and Fire Island hasn’t had functioning fire protection in the five years since. However, a new project funded by Suffolk County Water Authority and Brookhaven Town will restore fire protection by installing a 6,490-foot underground pipe and eight new fire hydrants. The project is expected to be completed by Jan. 1.

The approximately $3 million project will be paid for through a 20-year, $1.6 million bond from Brookhaven town, which will result in a 12.9 percent tax increase for about 50 homeowners residing in the Water Island Fire Protection District. Brookhaven town is also asking for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency worth $500,000 to help cover the cost of the project.

Ken Marran, president of the Water Island Association, told Newsday, “We’re finally getting fire protection, which we really haven’t had in the last five or six years,” while Paul Kuzman, director of construction and maintenance for the water authority, said, “They didn’t have the kind of fire protection they’re going to have now.”

Luckily for Fire Island residents, there haven’t been any fires in the small community during that period of time. Authorities said the new pipe will be connected to existing water authority equipment at Fire Island Pines and Davis Park.

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