Santa Rosa Island Wildfire Threatens Rare Plant Species and Ecosystem
A massive wildfire on Santa Rosa Island, part of California's Channel Islands National Park, has burned 17,554 acres and is currently 44% contained. The fire, which began on May 15, has already destroyed several historic structures and is now threatening the island's fragile ecosystem. Among the endangered species is the Santa Rosa Island Torrey pine, considered the rarest native pine in the United States and possibly the world. This species grows naturally only on Santa Rosa Island and near San Diego. Initial assessments indicate that while the Torrey pine groves remain largely intact, some areas have experienced high-intensity burns. The fire also poses a risk to other rare plants and wildlife unique to the island, including the Santa Rosa Island Manzanita and island foxes. Investigators are exploring the possibility that the fire was ignited by an SOS flare from a stranded mariner. 
