Articles written by Skunk Works

Skunk Works, Observer Staff WRiter|Updated May 29, 2026

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK - The Santa Rosa Island Fire, the largest wildfire in the recorded history of California's Channel Islands, has burned 18,379 acres - roughly one-third of the island - and reached 97% containment as of May 27, 2026. While the blaze, which started on May 15, is largely under control, biologists and park officials are now focused on evaluating its effects on one of North America's most biologically unique ecosystems. Santa Rosa Island, often called...