Fire Island Lighthouse to remain closed for continuing repairs
The lighthouse closed in early March when heavy winds caused a concrete panel to slide off. Demolition work was finished in June, but stabilization work still needs to be done.
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The Fire Island Lighthouse will remain closed for the foreseeable future so repairs can be made.
The lighthouse was closed in early March when heavy winds caused a concrete panel to slide off.
Fire Island Lighthouse closed due to damage
The National Park Service said there was no structural damage but that the lighthouse closed as a safety precaution.
Demolition work was finished in June, but stabilization work still needs to be done.
Repairs begin to preserve Fire Island Lighthouse
"Right now, we're still waiting. The stabilization part of the contract is still in the hands of the National Park Service and being worked on," said Tony Femminella, executive director of the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. "We were hoping that we'd be open by now, but you know, like everything else, it takes time."
The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society is the group responsible for lighthouse operations.
Once the contract is finalized, Femminella said a stainless-steel metal cage and cables will be installed around the bottom of the lighthouse to secure it.
Femminella said they have lost tens of thousands of dollars – money paid to walk up the tower is money that goes to the operation of the lighthouse.
The Long Island landmark is a popular destination for many Long Islanders, especially in the summer. Visitors whom News 12 Long Island spoke with on Friday said they are OK on waiting a little longer to see the lighthouse.
"A little disappointed, but things happen and hopefully it'll get fixed and next year when we come back, we'll be able to go up on top," said Jacqueline Moran Meyer, of West Islip.
While the tower is closed, visitors can still visit the museum, the lens room and gift shop.
