A helicopter from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department rescued 11 National Park Service staff members from Santa Rosa Island as a wildfire spread across the area. The fire, human-caused, covered more than 10,000 acres, posing a risk to employee housing.
The rescue operation was successful, transporting everyone safely to Oxnard Airport without any injuries. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department tweeted about the operation, emphasizing the protection of their park staff.
As of Sunday evening, the fire remained uncontrolled. It consumed two structures on Santa Rosa Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. The fire, driven by wind, threatened to cut off housing and was actively battled by fire crews.
The blaze, located between Ford Point and South Point, was measured at 10,025 acres according to Cal Fire. The National Park Service, overseeing the incident, identified the fire as human-caused and it remains under investigation.
Smoke from the island fire affected air quality along the California coast. The National Weather Service in San Diego noted the drift of smoke to the region. They advised monitoring air quality via airnow.gov.
The fire threatens the ecosystem of Santa Rosa Island. It endangers six plant species exclusive to the island. The island also harbors unique wildlife like island foxes, spotted skunks, and elephant seals.
Approximately 70 firefighters and park rangers are responding to the fire. The island is around 26 miles from Santa Barbara and has been closed to visitors as fire suppression continues.
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