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Fire Island Light Fire Island, New York This wonderful beacon stands as a testimonial to what can be accomplished when private citizens undertake the restoration of an aging lighthouse. It was decomissioned by the Coast Guard in 1974 and quickly deteriorated. But thanks to the fund raising efforts of The Fire Island Preservation Society, the light burns brightly again today ! The tower itself stands 180 feet above the ground. It was built of brick in 1858 to warn ships of the dangerous shoals off the southern coast of Long Island. You can reach the light from the beach access at Fire Island, but bear in mind it is quite a long walk. The complex also includes a museum. Small tour groups are guided up the 192 steps of the tower for a small fee. An excellent specimen of a Fresnel lens is located at the bottom of the spiral staircase (see photo below).
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