Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A wildfire ignited on May 15, 2026, on Santa Rosa Island in California’s Channel Islands National Park. The fire spread across grassland, coastal sage scrub, and island chaparral on the island’s southern side.
By May 16, the burned area reached 5,690 acres (2,300 hectares), according to Landsat 9 satellite imagery. Within days, the affected area expanded to about 16,600 acres (6,700 hectares), encompassing much of the island’s southeastern quadrant, while containment efforts were still underway.
The fire burned near a stand of Torrey pines, a rare species native to Santa Rosa Island and areas near San Diego. Officials and news reports attributed the wildfire to human activity, though investigations were ongoing.
The island was closed to the public during firefighting efforts. Smoke was visible drifting over the Pacific Ocean, and infrared satellite imagery captured the active fire front. The event threatens the park’s diverse ecological habitats, often called “North America’s Galapagos” for their biodiversity.