Overview
- A 67-year-old sailor grounded his boat near Santa Rosa Island on May 15 and fired emergency flares to signal for help before being rescued the next morning.
- Fire officials report the blaze has burned more than 18,300 acres and was about 59% contained in the latest updates.
- The fire reached the island’s rare Torrey pine stand but initial checks show low fire intensity there; two uninhabited historic structures were destroyed and no injuries were reported.
- Crews have battled the blaze from boats and with aircraft while island remoteness, gusty winds and new mainland fires forced authorities to prioritize resources to protect life and property.
- Investigations into the cause are ongoing, park access is closed through at least June 6, and short-term cooler weather may give limited relief while longer-term ecological and restoration work is assessed.