Nasa images show wildfire damage to island dubbed ‘Galapagos of California'
The satellite visuals reveal vast burn scars after blaze tore through rare ecosystems on Santa Rosa Island
www.theguardian.comflames on Santa Rosa Island within Channel Islands has burned tens of thousands of acres, the state’s largest fire of the year so far. Containment efforts continue through late May, multi-agency teams working to suppress the fire, while two historic buildings were among structures destroyed. The island was largely closed to visitors to safeguard rare flora and fauna. The fire originated when a mariner’s distress flare was fired, per Coast Guard and National Park Service reports. Containment has progressed through coordinated efforts among agencies. No civilian or firefighter fatalities or injuries have been reported so far. Efforts to suppress and repair continue with emphasis on the island’s unique ecosystems.