Wildfire Ignited by Shipwrecked Sailor's Flares Burns Nearly a Quarter of Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park

SANTA ROSA ISLAND, Calif. (May 19, 2026) - A human-caused wildfire that began after a shipwrecked sailor fired emergency flares has scorched approximately 16,942 acres of Santa Rosa Island, making it California's largest wildfire of 2026 and the biggest recorded on the island in modern history.

The blaze, known as the Santa Rosa Island Fire, started on the southeastern side of the island between Ford Point and South Point on May 15, 2026. Officials believe it was sparked when a 67-year-old mariner's sailboat crashed into rocks along the shoreline. Stranded, he fired distress flares to signal for help, which ignited dry vegetation in the area.

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued the sailor uninjured the following morning. He had reportedly scratched "SOS" into the ground near the site.

As of the latest update on May 19, the fire had burned about one-third of the island's roughly 53,000 acres and stood at 26% contained. Earlier in the week, containment remained at 0% amid strong winds that drove rapid growth.

Firefighters, numbering around 78 personnel, are operating in challenging remote terrain, relying on boat and foot access. Aircraft, including water-dropping planes and airtankers, provided support on May 19 as weather conditions improved slightly. Crews have focused on protecting the Main Ranch Complex, historic structures, and sensitive habitats.

Impacts on Structures: At least three buildings destroyed, including the Johnson's Lee Equipment Shed, Wreck Line Camp Cabin, and an adjacent storage structure.

Firemen battling the fire on Santa Rosa Island

Wildlife and Habitat: The fire has moved through areas with rare Torrey pines-one of the world's rarest pine species-and habitat for endangered island foxes and endemic plants. Damage assessments are ongoing.

Personnel: Eleven National Park Service staff were evacuated by helicopter. Santa Rosa Island has no permanent civilian population.It is part of Channel Islands National Park and is uninhabited by full-time residents. Only temporary National Park Service (NPS) staff, researchers (e.g., from California State University Channel Islands research station), and occasional volunteers or visitors are present on the island.

Public Access: Santa Rosa Island remains closed to all public use, including day visits and camping, until further notice. inciweb.wildfire.gov

The National Park Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service are managing the incident. High winds continue to pose challenges, though overnight humidity recovery and aircraft support have helped slow the fire's advance in some areas.

Smoke from the fire may affect air quality on the mainland. No injuries have been reported.For the most current information, visit the official InciWeb page or the National Park Service alerts for Channel Islands National Park. The cause remains under investigation.