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Island Fire Engulfs 10,000 Acres of Unique Ecosystem
18 May
Summary
- A wildfire consumed over 10,000 acres on Santa Rosa Island.
- Two historic structures were destroyed by the rapidly spreading flames.
- Unique plant species found only on the island are threatened.
A wildfire has consumed more than 10,000 acres on Santa Rosa Island, a critical part of Channel Islands National Park. The fire ignited Friday afternoon and rapidly expanded, reaching 10,0029 acres by Sunday afternoon with no containment. Seventy firefighters and park rangers battled the blaze, which was fueled by dense vegetation and strong winds, exacerbated by a Gale Warning in effect until Monday morning.
The fire's origin is under investigation, but it has been classified as a human-caused wildfire. Tragically, two historic structures, the Johnson's Lee Equipment Shed and the Wreck Line Camp Cabin, were destroyed. The status of the historic South Point Lighthouse remains unknown as the fire continued to burn nearby.
Santa Rosa Island is renowned for its unique biodiversity and archaeological significance, with at least six plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Officials are working to protect these irreplaceable resources from the advancing flames.
