The Santa Rosa Island Fire is nearly fully contained at 97%, having burned 18,379 acres. Scientists will soon assess damage and plan recovery for the ecologically unique island.
- The fire is the largest ever recorded on the Channel Islands, charring nearly one-third of Santa Rosa Island. - The blaze may have been started by a stranded sailor's distress flares, according to a CBS News report.
- The island's ecosystem, home to rare species like the Torrey Pine, did not evolve with fire and faces a challenging recovery. - NASA satellite images show vast blackened areas, highlighting the fire's extensive destruction.