Santa Rosa Island nearly one-third burned

A wildfire on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park had burned 17,554 acres and was 44% contained as of the evening of May 20, according to CAL FIRE. The fire started on May 15 on the south side of the island, between Ford Point and South Point, and the National Park Service has kept the island closed to visitors since May 17. Officials have said the blaze threatens endangered species, historic resources and structures on one of the park’s most ecologically distinct islands. ### How large is the fire now? CAL FIRE said the Santa Rosa Island Fire reached 17,554 acres and 44% containment in an update posted at 7:03 p.m. on May 20. The agency listed the cause as human and said the National Park Service has jurisdiction over the incident. NASA’s Earth Observatory said the fire spread across the southern side of Santa Rosa Island, the second-largest island in Channel Islands National Park. (fire.ca.gov) By May 19, NASA said, the burn area had reached about 16,600 acres, including much of the island’s southeastern quadrant. ### Why are officials focused on this island in particular? (fire.ca.gov) Santa Rosa Island is part of a park system that NASA described as “North America’s Galapagos” because of its concentration of distinct plant and animal life. The fire has burned through grassland, coastal sage scrub and island chaparral, according to NASA. CBS Los Angeles, citing National Park Service officials, reported that as many as six plant species are found on Santa Rosa Island and nowhere else in the world. (science.nasa.gov) NASA also said news reports placed the fire near a stand of Torrey pines, a rare pine that in the United States grows naturally only on Santa Rosa Island and near San Diego. ### What damage and risks have been reported? CAL FIRE said structures remain threatened and that firefighters are also working to protect endangered species and cultural and heritage resources. The agency said remote island access, communications limits, high winds and marine layer conditions have complicated suppression and air operations. CBS Los Angeles reported on May 19 that at least two historic structures had been destroyed, while the South Point Lighthouse was still standing after flames surrounded it. (cbsnews.com) The same report said the island’s long isolation helped preserve unusual plants, animals and archaeological resources. (fire.ca.gov) ### Do investigators know what started it? The U.S. Coast Guard said the blaze may have been started by flares fired by a stranded boater, according to CBS Los Angeles. The report said a 67-year-old mariner crashed his sailboat into rocks on May 15, set off flares and was later rescued uninjured. (cbsnews.com) NASA said officials and news accounts described the fire as human-caused, but investigators were still determining the circumstances. CAL FIRE’s incident page also lists the cause as human. ### What does this mean for visitors right now? Channel Islands National Park posted a closure notice for Santa Rosa Island on May 17, saying there was a wildfire on the island’s south side and firefighters were on scene. (cbsnews.com) The park’s alerts page said the closure remained in effect while response efforts continued. CAL FIRE said crews, equipment and engines were being shuttled to the island by boat. (science.nasa.gov) The next public updates are being posted through CAL FIRE’s incident page and Channel Islands National Park alerts as fire conditions change. (fire.ca.gov) (nps.gov)