Helicopter Rescues 11 Park Workers From 10,000-Acre Santa Rosa Island Fire
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, a Santa Barbara County Fire helicopter evacuated 11 National Park Service employees from Santa Rosa Island to Oxnard Airport with no injuries.[1]
The wildfire was mapped at about 10,025 acres Sunday afternoon, had destroyed two structures and remained 0% contained. Park officials said the blaze was human-caused and is under investigation, and roughly 70 firefighters and park rangers were battling the fire Sunday night.
Park officials closed Santa Rosa Island to visitors through at least this week and warned the fire threatens six plant species found only on the island as well as other sensitive wildlife.
The National Weather Service in San Diego said smoke from the fire is drifting toward the California coast and will impact air quality through at least Tuesday.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Sunday, May 17, 2026, a Santa Barbara County Fire helicopter evacuated 11 National Park Service employees from Santa Rosa Island to Oxnard Airport with no injuries.
- The wildfire on Santa Rosa Island was mapped at 10,025 acres by Sunday afternoon, had destroyed two structures and was 0% contained.
- The National Park Service described the blaze as human-caused and under investigation, and about 70 firefighters and park rangers were battling the fire Sunday night.
- The National Weather Service in San Diego said smoke from the fire is drifting toward the California coast and impacting air quality through at least Tuesday.
- Park officials said the fire threatens six plant species endemic to Santa Rosa Island and other sensitive wildlife, and the island is closed to visitors through at least this week.
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