A large wildfire on California’s remote Santa Rosa Island is endangering some of the world’s rarest plant species, particularly a unique type of Torrey pine that only exists in two locations globally.
As of Thursday afternoon, the Santa Rosa Island Fire has consumed 17,554 acres and is 44% under control. The blaze ignited on May 15 in challenging southeastern terrain near Santa Barbara.
Firefighters working in Channel Islands National Park have reported the destruction of at least three historic structures, including Johnson’s Lee Equipment Depot and the Recline Camp Cabin.
Now, the focus has shifted to the island’s delicate ecosystem, especially the Santa Rosa Island Torrey pine, which the National Park Service labels as “the rarest native pine in the United States” and possibly the rarest globally.
This specific subspecies grows only on Santa Rosa Island and near San Diego.
Fortunately, initial assessments released this week indicated that the Torrey pine forest on the island remains primarily intact. However, officials also cautioned that “several small pockets in Torrey Pines burned with greater intensity.”
It remains uncertain how many Torrey pines were affected, whether the damaged trees can recover, or if other rare plants have suffered major losses due to the fire.
According to the agency, the Santa Rosa Island Torrey Pine qualifies as a separate subspecies because it has been “isolated on Santa Rosa Island for thousands of years” and has a very limited distribution.
The wildfires also pose a threat to other rare and endangered plant species native to the island, such as Santa Rosa Island manzanita and island mallow. Wildlife, including the island fox and island spotted skunk, may also face dangers due to the flames.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that the wildfire was ignited when sailors stranded after a shipwreck used SOS flares.
The fire has prompted the closure of Channel Islands National Park as crews scramble to prevent the flames from reaching the historic Main Ranch structure, which could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Covering 84 square miles, Santa Rosa Island is the second largest of the Channel Islands and is known for its wild landscapes, steep mountains, pristine beaches, and unique ecosystems. It features the 474-foot Soledad Peak and the 498-foot Black Mountain, along with numerous hiking trails that meander through scenic canyons and sea cliffs in one of California’s most secluded areas.
