RIDGE — Firefighters are on the scene responding to a massive wildfire that broke out Monday afternoon near Brookhaven National Laboratory. What began as two separate fires in Ridge and Manorville has merged into one large fire that has destroyed two homes and one commercial building. Officials say at least 2000 acres of woodland has been burned and the fire is still not yet under control.

Police have begun ordering mandatory evacuations in parts of Riverhead and the Riverhead Senior Center at 60 Shade Tree Lane has been established as an emergency shelter in the town. Three firefighters have been injured fighting the blaze.