California island fire linked to sailor's distress flare scorches 10,000 acres
Fire on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands national park becomes state's largest this year and threatens rare plants
www.theguardian.comfire on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park burned thousands of acres so far, California’s biggest blaze this year. Containment efforts are ongoing through late May, with crews working to suppress the fire, while some historic buildings were lost. Access to the island was restricted to protect unique ecosystems. The fire began with a mariner’s distress flare from a boat crash, as reported by Coast Guard and NPS. Containment has improved through coordinated efforts among agencies. There have been no reported civilian or firefighter casualties. Efforts to suppress and repair continue with emphasis on the island’s unique ecosystems.