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Celebration Planned For Firefighters Who Battled Long Island Brush Fire

FARMINGVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - People on Long Island are planning an event to say thank you to the firefighters who worked to battle this week's brush fire.

WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story

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A day-long celebration is planned for May 19 at the Brookhaven Amphitheater in Farmingville. It will honor the hundreds of volunteer firefighters who helped douse the brush fire that scorched 1,124 acres of Suffolk County.

SEE: Photos - Long Island Brush Fire

Three homes and at least one commercial building were also damaged.

Organizers promised that "some pretty big acts will perform at the event," WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported on Friday. They didn't give specifics, however.

"It's gonna knock your socks off," said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko.

Earlier this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo praised the firefighters for preventing the blaze from doing more damage.

"If it wasn't contained as well as it was, if you didn't have the resources, if you didn't have the personnel, you would've lost control of the fire," said Cuomo on Tuesday. "All the ingredients were there for a real tragedy."

The fire started near the Brookhaven National Laboratory. The cause has not been determined. However, it has been exceptionally dry and and windy in the area of late. Rain levels are well below normal.

What do you think should be done to thank the firefighters? Share your ideas in the comments section below!

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