A massive wildfire on Santa Rosa Island burned over 18,000 acres, prompting a damage assessment by specialists. The island is closed indefinitely as recovery plans are developed.
- The fire started May 15 and was contained June 4, burning more than a third of the island. - Firefighters saved key infrastructure, including the Water Canyon Campground and historic buildings, but three small structures were lost.
- The BAER team is assessing damage to endemic species like the Island Fox and rare Torrey Pine trees. - The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and recovery is expected to take years.