Shipwrecked Sailor Starts Fire on Santa Rosa Island: 10,000 acres burned, 0% contained
Yet another blow to rare CA native plants
Update: 15,000 acres. "Overnight, the fire was most active on its northeast edge. The fire has been observed reaching South Wreck Road and Quemada Canyon Road. This has also been confirmed by satellite infrared. Satellite imagery is showing the fire about ½ mile from Torrey Pines area. There is no updated acreage this morning as the fire was not flown for mapping last night.
Air resources have conducted daily flights over the island. To date, airtanker drops have been attempted, but not successful due to unfavorable wind conditions. However, with conditions now shifting, crews will reassess operations today and are optimistic that water drops can begin soon in protection of values at risk, including the Torrey Pines. Firefighters have focused on defensible space preparation work around park housing by reducing any plants, wood piles, or any other potential ember-receptive materials. This work enhances defensible space of the historic structures.
Today, work will continue with point protection preparations in the Vail and Vickers Ranch Historic District. Priorities are historic structures, like the main ranch house and island infrastructure like the fuel building. Firefighters will focus on the pier as a priority and the bridge adjacent to the pier as these are key transportation elements for the island.
The weather today will be mostly clear and dry conditions. With this weather and the winds shifting from the weekend, firefighters are expecting another very active fire behavior day.
Firefighters are reporting clear skies this morning and will be looking for opportunities to request aircraft support as the weather and winds allow.
Additional firefighters are arriving today via boat and additional equipment will be arriving this week in addition to more personnel to support the firefighting effort."