Fire Island, Barrier island in Suffolk County, United States.
Fire Island is a narrow strip of sand that runs parallel to the south shore of Long Island, stretching about 31 miles and covered with dunes, grasses and low shrubs. At its widest point it measures roughly 1,300 feet across, while in other sections it narrows to around 500 feet, giving the sense of walking along a ribbon of land between the ocean and the bay.
The island was claimed for England by William Smith during the 17th century, and small communities later formed along the shore, attracting fishermen and whalers. A lighthouse was built in 1825 to warn ships of the dangerous sandbars that caused many wrecks.
The communities of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines emerged as notable summer destinations for LGBTQ+ visitors starting in the mid-twentieth century.
Most places on the island can only be reached by ferry from Long Island terminals, since there are almost no roads for cars. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are helpful, as wind can pick up quickly and the sandy paths are uneven.
Hurricane Sandy in 2012 tore several new inlets through the sand, permanently reshaping the shoreline. Scientists have since worked to understand the balance between natural erosion and community protection.
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