Largest wildfire in Santa Rosa Island history burns more than 5 900 ha (14 600 acres), threatening rare Torrey pines, California
A record-breaking wildfire burning on California’s Santa Rosa Island has scorched more than 5 900 ha (14 600 acres) and continues to threaten rare Torrey pine trees, endangered plant species, and historic structures.
Santa Rosa Island Fire on May 15, 2026. Credit: USCG Southwest
Multiple wildfires continue to burn in California, including the record-breaking Santa Rosa Fire, which started on May 15 and has burned through more than 5 666 ha (14 000 acres) since then.
Santa Rosa Island is part of the Channel Islands National Park and is home to thousands of rare and endangered plants and animals. The fire is reportedly the largest ever to have burned on the island and the largest wildfire to have ignited in California in 2026.
At least two historical structures have been damaged by the blaze: the Johnson’s Lee Equipment Shed on the western edge and the Wreck Line Cabin on the eastern edge. Multiple structures continue to be threatened as the blaze continues to grow.
The fire is also threatening the Torrey pine trees in the area, which are the rarest North American pines and are found only on Santa Rosa Island and at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County. Five other rare plant species found only on the island are also threatened by the fire’s spread.
While the cause remains under investigation, authorities believe the fire started after a 67-year-old sailor crashed his boat on the island’s shore, after which he fired two flares to attract nearby boats for rescue. Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard arrived in the area.
The Coast Guard sent a helicopter that was already in flight to retrieve the man, who had spent the night on the island. The man had etched the letters “SOS” onto the charred ground. Officials took him to a hospital in nearby Camarillo without apparent injuries.
The flames burned more than 405 ha (1 000 acres) on the first day and had grown to more than 4 047 ha (10 000 acres) by the third day. As of 17:30 LT on May 18, the fire had burned approximately 5 908 ha (14 600 acres) and stood at 0% containment. At least 11 National Park Service employees were evacuated by helicopter to Oxnard Airport on May 17.
“Extreme fire behavior continues to challenge suppression efforts, including wind-driven uphill runs. Structures remain threatened, while coastal marine layer conditions and high winds are impacting air operations. Additional challenges include protecting endangered species, cultural and heritage resources, and overcoming remote island access and communication limitations,” said Cal Fire in its incident update on May 18.
The National Park Service has closed the island to tourists through the week as firefighters continue suppression efforts.
References:
1 Santa Rosa Island Fire – Cal Fire – May 18, 2025
2 Sailor rescued in the knick of time as massive, record-breaking wildfire engulfs California island – FOX Weather – May 18, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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