Santa Rosa Island fire burns through rare Torrey pine grove, but hope remains

A wildfire on Santa Rosa Island, sparked by a shipwrecked sailor's flare, has burned nearly one-third of the island, including a grove of critically endangered Torrey pines. Initial assessments show the trees survived due to low-intensity fire.

- The fire has burned 16,942 acres and is 26% contained. - The Torrey pine grove, with trees over 250 years old, remains largely intact.

- Firefighting efforts include air tankers and reinforcements from the Chumash Fire Department. - The fire destroyed two historic buildings but caused no injuries.

The island's unique ecosystem faces potential disruption, but the Torrey pines' survival offers hope for recovery.