Human-Caused Wildfires Have Broken out in One of California’s Most Beloved National Parks

A fast-moving wildfire burning on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park has scorched more than 10,000 acres, forcing park closures, evacuations, and a large firefighting response as officials race to protect rare ecosystems and historic structures. The blaze, which officials say was human-caused, is already one of California’s largest wildfires of the year so far. And it’s in one of the state’s most beloved protected lands, known for its rich ecosystems and biodiversity, including animals like small island fox and island scrub jay.

According to officials, the fire began Friday after a stranded sailor whose boat crashed near the island reportedly fired emergency flares to signal for help, inadvertently igniting dry grasslands amid windy conditions. The fire rapidly spread across rugged terrain on Santa Rosa Island, the second-largest island in the national park located roughly 26 miles off the Southern California coast in Santa Barbara County. It is currently located on the south side of the island, between Ford Point and South Point.

More than 70 firefighters have been deployed to the remote island, with air tankers expected to assist as weather conditions improve. Eleven National Park Service employees were evacuated by helicopter over the weekend, and two historic structures—the Johnson’s Lee Equipment Shed and Wreck Line Camp Cabin—have already been destroyed. Officials are especially concerned about the island’s rare Torrey pine groves, considered among the rarest pine species in North America.

Channel Islands

The fire has prompted the closure of Santa Rosa Island to both day visitors and overnight campers for at least the remainder of the week. Officials say containment remains at zero percent as crews continue battling difficult terrain and shifting winds.

Meanwhile, another wildfire is unfolding closer to Los Angeles. The Sandy Fire burning near Simi Valley had grown to roughly 184 acres Monday afternoon, triggering evacuation orders and threatening homes as crews worked to contain the flames in Ventura County. You can check in with Calfire and Watch Duty for regular updates on containment and evacuation orders.