California's Wildfire Season Is Already Overactive
California is experiencing an unusually active wildfire season early in the year, with significant fires threatening homes and rare ecological areas. The Santa Rosa Island Fire has burned a large portion of Channel Islands National Park, including a grove of critically endangered Torrey pines. With nearly 41,000 acres burned so far, this season's activity is well above the five-year average, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on fire risks.
- ▪The Santa Rosa Island Fire has consumed roughly 16,600 acres, threatening a grove of critically endangered Torrey pines.
- ▪The Sandy Fire has forced thousands to evacuate in Simi Valley and is only 5 percent contained.
- ▪California has seen nearly 41,000 acres burned this season, significantly above the five-year average of 23,380 acres.
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Brian KahnScienceMay 19, 2026 6:20 PMCalifornia’s Wildfire Season Is Already OveractiveMajor fires are threatening homes and ecologically sensitive areas following a hot, dry winter.Photograph: AP Photo/Ethan SwopeCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyIt’s May, but California is already getting a taste of what peak fire season could look like, as out of control blazes pose a danger to infrastructure and some of the most threatened trees on the planet.A combination of high winds and heat has contributed to a trio of major fires in Southern California.The largest among them is the Santa Rosa Island Fire, which started over the weekend in Channel Islands National Park after a stranded sailor used flares to signal for help.
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