California island fire linked to sailor’s distress flare scorches 10,000 acres
A wildfire on Santa Rosa Island has become California's largest this year, burning over 10,000 acres. The fire is linked to a sailor's distress flares after he became stranded on the island. Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze due to strong winds, and the fire threatens rare plant communities.
- ▪The fire on Santa Rosa Island is currently at 0% containment and has scorched more than 10,000 acres.
- ▪It was sparked by a sailor who shot flares to signal for help after crashing his boat on the island.
- ▪The National Park Service is investigating the cause of the fire, which has already destroyed historic structures.
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The fire on Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands national park was at 0% containment on Monday, according to California officials. Photograph: Coast Guard Air Station VenturaView image in fullscreenThe fire on Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands national park was at 0% containment on Monday, according to California officials. Photograph: Coast Guard Air Station VenturaCaliforniaCalifornia island fire linked to sailor’s distress flare scorches 10,000 acresFire on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands national park becomes state’s largest this year and threatens rare plantsRoque PlanasMon 18 May 2026 19.45 EDTLast modified on Mon 18 May 2026 19.46 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA wildfire that broke out on an island in the Channel Islands national park has become California’s…
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