A helicopter from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department evacuated 11 National Park Service employees from Santa Rosa Island on Sunday. A human-caused wildfire spread over more than 10,000 acres, threatening employee housing. The department announced on X, noting the successful evacuation by Helicopter 964. The employees were transported safely to Oxnard Airport, with no injuries reported. This operation ensured the safety of park workers.
The wind-driven fire affected Channel Islands National Park. As of Sunday evening, officials reported two structures destroyed and no containment, according to the Los Angeles Times. The blaze, located on the south side of Santa Rosa Island between Ford Point and South Point, expanded to 10,025 acres by that afternoon, Cal Fire stated. The National Park Service, responsible for the area, said the fire was human-caused and under investigation.
Smoke from the island reached the California coast, impacting air quality. The National Weather Service in San Diego reported this effect, advising the public to check air quality information at airnow.gov.
The wildfire threatens Santa Rosa Island’s ecosystem, which hosts rare plants and animals. Park officials are concerned about six plant species unique to the island, as well as local wildlife like island foxes, spotted skunks, and elephant seals.
Approximately 70 firefighters and park rangers worked to control the blaze on Sunday night, according to the Times. The island, 26 miles off Santa Barbara, will remain closed to visitors this week while suppression efforts continue.