A wildfire on Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands National Park has become California's largest this year, burning over 10,000 acres, destroying historic structures, and threatening rare plant communities. The blaze, which broke out on Friday, is currently 0% contained, with around six dozen firefighters battling strong winds.
The fire is believed to have started after a 67-year-old sailor crashed his boat into rocks on the island's shore and fired distress flares to attract attention. The man was rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter after spending the night on the island. He had etched 'SOS' into the charred ground, according to Coast Guard images.
Kenneth Wiese, a Coast Guard spokesperson, confirmed the flares were used but could not confirm they caused the fire. The National Park Service (NPS) is investigating. The NPS has closed Santa Rosa Island to visitors and evacuated staff. Two structures, Johnson’s Lee Equipment Shed and Wreck Line Camp Cabin, have been destroyed.
Santa Rosa Island is part of the Channel Islands, known for high biodiversity, but its ecology has suffered from over a century of grazing. Native plants, including six found only on the island, have been recovering since livestock and non-native wildlife were removed. Firefighters are also trying to protect a rare area of Torrey pines from the blaze.
