News Release

Structural Fire Damages Fire Island National Seashore's Restaurant at Watch Hill

Date: September 4, 2019
Contact: Alexcy Romero, 631-687-4750

Patchogue, New York - The National Park Service announced today that a structural fire occurred at Watch Hill's concession operated Whalehouse Point Restaurant in the early morning hours of September 4. Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Coordinators (FRES); and Fire Departments from Ocean Beach, Ocean Bay Park, Davis Park, Saltaire, Fire Island Pines, Patchogue, North Patchogue, Hagerman and Blue Point responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. Bayport, Fair Harbor and Cherry Grove Fire Departments were standing by if needed. NPS law enforcement and maintenance employees provided operational support - ensuring all Watch Hill visitors and residents were safe, and providing technical and site information to the first responders. Davis Park Ferry Company transported mainland firefighters to the scene on Fire Island. The incident response was well coordinated and well managed. All of the responding parties and agencies worked together as a team to safely extinguish the fire as quickly as possible. There were no fatalities or reported injuries. Preliminary findings indicate that the restaurant facility sustained extensive structural, smoke and water damage.

By Wednesday afternoon, NPS officials secured the area with safety fencing. Local law enforcement agencies and National Park Service officials are investigating all possible causes of the fire, as well as the extent and impact of the incident.

Watch Hill remains open to the public through Columbus Day. The marina, camp store, and campground will continue to operate. While lifeguard operations concluded for the season after Labor Day, the NPS has scheduled visitor programs and Visitor Center weekend hours through mid-October.