Mandatory evacuation in order for residents of Fire Island
(08/26/11) FIRE ISLAND – Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan is issuing a mandatory evacuation order for the residents of Fire Island effective as of 3 p.m. today in preparation for Hurricane Irene.

Officials say the storm is currently tracking directly over Fire Island with winds expected to reach nearly 100 mph.

Once the mandatory evacuation is in effect, ferry service going to Fire Island will end, with vessels focusing on bringing people back throughout Friday night and into Saturday.

Officials say ferry operations are expected to shut down in both directions sometime after 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko have also issued joint mandatory evacuation orders for Fire Island effective at 3 pm.