The Santa Rosa Island Fire started on May 15, 2026, which was caused by a sailor who got stranded on the island. He used flares to send out an SOS, which would later ignite very dry fuels ablaze.

Today, the fire has burned about 16,942 acres of brush and grass and remains at 26% containment. Fire behavior remains active with running, flanking, and uphill runs, as well as high winds.

It is located about 30 miles SW of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara County), California.

Lead Fire Agency: (Channel Islands National Park) National Park Service and the US Wildland Fire Service.

Structures and fragile natural habitats are under threat. Three structures have been destroyed.

CTD: 1.8 Million Dollars

Sources: CAL FIRE, NIFC

(c) 2026 NW Fire Blog