Fire Island Pines, often referred to as The Pines or simply Pines, is a hamlet in the town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County. It is located on Fire Island, on the southern side of Long Island. Fire Island Pines, derives its name from the scrub pine trees in the area, which started growing after a ship with Christmas trees and holly sunk off its coast in the late 1800s. The Fire Island Pines, is the most beautiful community on Fire Island and prohibits motorized vehicles; transportation is via foot on the boardwalks. Its developers took care to preserve the area's natural heritage with careful planning. Houses are modern, sleek, stylish and blend in well with the surrounding terrain. With more than 700 homes, the Pines is not crowded for its size, large building lots help to lessen crowding.