Science and Exploration

Wildfire

2 articles

Aerial view of Santa Rosa Island showing widespread wildfire damage, with smoke rising from charred land and a few remaining Torrey pine trees.
Space & Astronomy

Santa Rosa Island fire impacts 18,379 acres of rare ecosystems

The Santa Rosa Island fire, which scorched a verified 18,379 acres, passed directly through the island's stronghold of rare Torrey pine trees, thereby threatening a species found almost nowhere else o

Dr. Alistair Finch·June 2, 2026
Aerial view of a large wildfire burning across the landscape of Santa Rosa Island, with smoke plumes rising against a backdrop of the ocean.
Space & Astronomy

Santa Rosa Island wildfire scorches 30% of island, California's largest this year.

Over 30% of Santa Rosa Island, a vital part of Channel Islands National Park, has been scorched by California's largest wildfire of the year.

Sofia Petrova·May 20, 2026