The Fire Island Pines Fire, from the Air: PHOTO

There's a more extensive gallery over at the Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society, on Facebook.

The New York Times:

Joseph Geiman, the spokesman, commissioner and former chief of the Fire Island Pines Fire Department, said the blaze was initially fought in pitch blackness because the Long Island Power Authority “killed the grid, the same as they did for Hurricane Irene.”

“So when I arrived,” Mr. Geiman said, “there were five or six local responders working in the dark. Until we got our lights set up, the fire was the only source of illumination. And you could hear propane cylinders exploding one by one, almost like missiles flying out of nowhere. We call that bleve: boiling liquid expanding vapor explosives.”

Mr. Geiman, 57, a Pines summer resident for a decade, said the fire, not thought to be suspicious, had wiped out a business and night-life destination “that was the bread and butter of this community.”

Fire Island Pines Owner Andrew Kirtzman Releases Statement on Fire, Damage

Last night I posted about the devastating fire that gutted several buildings in the Fire Island Pines Harbor. Andrew Kirtzman, who with Seth Weissman and Matthew Blesso, own the properties, released a statement several hours ago.

Kirtzman's statement, via Facebook:

This is is obviously a very difficult night for all of us, and I wanted to give everyone a status report from the scene of the fire.

I am outside the Pavilion building, surrounded by over 100 firefighters from across Long Island. The fire is under control but is not completely out.

Both the Pavilion and LaFountaine buildings are still standing, but they have been completely gutted by fire and water. Sip n' Twirl, the Bistro and the stores below them are in ruin. Then roof over the Pavilion is gone, and the high tea deck has been destroyed.

Small fires are still burning inside the Pavilion - the dance floor - and it's too dangerous for firefighters to enter inside. The department has called for bulldozers to be brought here from across the bay, as it may be safer to destroy the Pavilion altogether rather than fight the remaining blazes. It is an unfathomable moment.

The air in the harbor is still thick with smoke, but the fire has not spread anywhere else, thanks to the incredible work of the Pines Fire Department and the departments that raced to its aid. Firefighters will be here through the night to ensure that no flames re-ignite and create a new threat to the other properties. Canteen, Blue Whale, the hotel and Pantry are all fine.

The Suffolk Country Fire Department believes the fire began outside the LaFountaine office, engulfed that building and then spread to the Pavilion. Officials tell me they don't believe the fire to be suspicious.

Seth, Matt and I want to thank you all for your notes and phone calls. Everyone has a stake in these properties, and the love and passion we all feel for them are ringing loud and clearly this painful evening. Tomorrow morning, Seth, Matt and I will begin the process of renewing this beautiful property and making it even more spectacular than it was before. Our hearts go out to Nicole LaFountaine, Patrick, PJ, Bob Howard and others in the LaFountaine building, and we will help one another get the commercial district ready for summer 2012. There is a lot of hard work ahead for all of us.

We feel blessed that no one was injured, and proud to be part of this beautiful community.

Previously...
Blaze Destroys Pavilion, Other Structures at Fire Island Pines [tr]

(image newsday)

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Gay Resort of Fire Island Prepares for Hurricane Irene: NOTICE

Here's a notice sent to Towleroad by the owners of the gay resort on Fire Island Pines, which at this point is directly in the path of Hurricane Irene:

It's looking increasingly likely that a storm will arrive at our shores late Saturday evening or early Sunday, and as such, we'll work hard to keep you updated on what it bodes for the island and your weekend. Below is a summary of what we know thus far, and the steps we are taking to make sure this weekend runs as smoothly and safely as possible:

The storm is expected to arrive Saturday night or Sunday morning. It is impossible to tell at this point the severity of what's ahead, but it's going to entail some nasty weather.

Suffolk County today called for a voluntary evacuation of Fire Island, largely to avoid a rush Saturday evening or Sunday morning when the storm hits (the weather tomorrow, Friday, is actually expected to be beautiful).

The Suffolk County executive says he will decide as early as tomorrow morning whether to call for a mandatory evacuation after reviewing the hurricane's path overnight.

If there is a mandatory evacuation called, police will announce it on the streets throughout the community and provide further instructions. We strongly urge you to take these instructions seriously. It's a good idea to pack a bag with your belongings tonight in case of a mandatory evacuation tomorrow or Saturday.

Barring a mandatory evacuation order, we plan to keep Canteen and High and Low Tea open tomorrow to serve the people who are on the island. As of now, Sherry Vine remains scheduled to make her 2011 debut at the Blue Whale Friday night at 10pm.

We will make decisions about the rest of the weekend as we learn more about the storm, but we have already cancelled all entertainment Saturday and Sunday.

Assuming we close Saturday and/or Sunday, we will re-open for business Monday morning. We hope this hurricane peters out over the next few days as it heads up the east coast, but we need to exercise caution. Your safety is crucial, so please stay close to news reports. We will be emailing you updates as we have them. Sincerely, Andrew and Seth

UPDATE: "Suffolk County has called for a mandatory evacuation of Fire Island to begin at 3pm today. The last ferry out of the Pines will leave in the early afternoon tomorrow, Saturday. We are closing all our businesses after tonight's Low Tea, which is open from 5pm - 9:30pm."

Watch: Drag Queens Launch Fire Island Invasion

Some Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with a barbecue and fireworks, but dedicated drag queens here in New York use the nation's birthday to invade Fire Island Pines.

While it all seems like fun and games, the invasion actually has a deep meaning.

From the invasion's official website:

Drag queens have always been an integral part of the bohemian Cherry Grove bar & club scene, but frowned upon and practically forbidden in the more affluent and conservative Fire Island Pines of the 70s. According to legend, in 1976 a Cherry Grove man in drag (Teri Warren) was denied service at the Botel, a Pines restaurant & bar owned by John B. Whyte (who died at 75 on March 22, 2004).

Upon hearing about this blatant discrimination against one of her sisters, the newly crowned Homecoming Queen of the Arts Project Cherry Grove, PANZI (Thom Hansen) took it upon herself to lead a small group of 9 brave Cherry Grove girls in a water taxi into the Pines harbor one hot afternoon for what they expected to be a confrontational welcoming by the Pines men.

On the contrary, the Pines men were so surprised and entertained by this “Drag Queen Invasion” in the middle of the day that they welcomed them all to drinks at the Blue Whale bar for what now is a yearly celebration and tradition.

And what a fabulous tradition it is!

Watch this year's invasion, AFTER THE JUMP...

Watch: 'Half-Share', a New One-Hour Pilot About Fire Island

Alec Mapa stars in a new independent TV pilot called Half-Share about a summer share on Fire Island. Currently being shopped around.

Watch the trailer, AFTER THE JUMP...