Mandatory Fire Island Evacuation Ordered

County and town officials have called for a mandatory evacuation of Fire Island ahead of .

The evacuation order will go into effect at 3 p.m. Friday, officials said, with ferry service immediately only going one-way back to the mainland. 

“It is vitally important that we remain vigilant in preparing for the potential devastation from Hurricane Irene,” Town of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan said. “As a precaution, the Town of Islip has issued an evacuation order for Fire Island as a way to ensure the safety of our residents. We are asking everyone to take the time, secure their homes, and then get off Fire Island well in advance of this storm and the potential destruction it may bring.”

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

Ferry operations are expected to shut down in both directions sometime after 2 p.m. Saturday, officials said.