Fire Island FAQ

Fire Island - FAQ

Where is Fire Island located?

Fire Island is a barrier island located in Suffolk County, New York, on the southern side of Long Island.

How big is this island?

Fire Island is approximately 32 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, with a gross area of 19,579 acres and 17 communities or small towns.

Is Fire Island a crowded destination?

No, it is estimated that about 820,865 people visit Fire Island each summer. There are regulations to keep the island's unspoiled environment, including a public law for maintaining its affluence of guest and tourists within reasonable levels.

What is the largest city on Fire Island?

More than cities there are communities, the largest is Ocean Beach with about 600,000 housing units.

Which is the smaller community?

The smaller is West Fire Island, a small island situated in the north of Fire Island, with only 5 housing units.

What type of attractions are available?

Although 80% of Fire Island is public park land that remains open and undeveloped, there are numerous attractions in most of its communities, including restaurants, bars, stores, numerous activities and more.

Is all public land underdeveloped?

Fire Island park land includes all the Fire Island National Seashore with several pristine beaches, a county park, a state park and two town parks.

Is Fire Island a Gay-oriented community?

Fire island encompasses 17 different communities, from which there are only two predominantly gay oriented: Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove. However, those communities are open to the general public regardless of their sexual preferences and incidentally they offer some of the best family-oriented attractions on the island.

Is Fire Island a Bachelors-oriented community?

This is another misconception resulting from the ABC reality show featuring Ocean Beach, a community where the population and visitors are predominantly young professionals and singles seeking nightlife entertainment and meeting people. However, anyone can enjoy or relax visiting the different Fire Island's communities.

How do I get to Fire Island?

There are three types of public transportation to get there: water taxi, private boat, or taking the popular Fire Island Ferry. You can also drive to Robert Moses beach, but because no cars are allowed within the island, it is necessary to park in Field 5 and walk toward the Fire Island light house

How do I get there from another state or country?

There are three major airports in New York close to Fire Island: LaGuardia International Airport, JFK International Airport, and the MacArthur Airport, which is closer to the ferry services.

If no cars are allowed, how do I move around?

Transportation on the island is by water from one point to another, and walking, riding or biking between one community and another.

Where may I stay when visiting Fire Island?

There are a few hotels on the island, and most of them are located in Ocean Beach. There are also timeshares and rental facilities through different Real Estate Agents and Realtors.

What should I bring to the island?

Bring to Fire Island whatever you take with you when visiting other beaches, such as sun block, sunglasses, insect repellent, beach towel, beach chair, etc. In addition, make sure to include Fire Island ferry schedule and the island's map, your driving license to access nightclubs and discos, as well as enough cash because there are very few ATM on the island with a $100 maximum withdrawal.

Where can I get assistance at Fire Island?

The Village Offices are located at Saltaire Village Business Office, 103 Broadway, Saltaire, NY, Tel. (631) 583-5566. Otherwise, the following are emergency and service phones that might be useful when visiting Fire Island

Cherry Grove Medical Clinic, Tel. (631) 597-6767

Fair Harbor Fire Department, Tel. (631) 583-8546

Fair Harbor/Dunewood Emergency Medical, Tel. (631) 583-5145

Fair Harbor/Dunewood Fire Department, Tel. (631) 583-8546

Fire Island Union Free School District (Ocean Beach), Tel. (631) 583-5626

Fire Island's Pines Care Center), Tel. (631) 597-6160

Ocean Bay Park Freight House, Tel. (631) 583-7321

Ocean Beach Fire Department, Tel. (631) 924-5252

Ocean Beach Freight House, Tel. (631) 583-5037

Saltaire Village Doctor, Tel. (631) 583-5466

Seaview Doctor, Tel. (631) 583-8548

Seaview Freight House, Tel. (631) 583-5335

Village Justice Court, Tel. (631) 583-0104

Village Office, Tel. (631) 583-5940

Where do I get the ferry schedules?

At the Fire Island Ferries Inc, 99 Maple Avenue, P.O. Box 5311, Bay Shore, NY 11706-0224, or visiting www.fireislandferries.com.

Where do I get Fire Island's zip codes?

The zip code for Seaview, Ocean Beach, and Ocean Bay Park is 11770-0428, NY; Kismet and Fair Harbor, Kismet zip code is 11706, NY, and Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, Cherry Grove is 11782-0999, NY.

Are there any regulation about garbage?

In order to keep the unspoiled environment of Fire Island, garbage must be collected and stored in closed containers and separated into recyclables.