A shipwrecked sailor could have started the largest forest fire which is currently active in California, according to a United States Coast Guard (USCG) official.
The Santa Rosa Fire, which broke out on Friday, May 15, on Santa Rosa Island, off the coast of Southern California, had spread across 16,938 acres as of Tuesday afternoon, with 0% containment.
After the fire was confirmed, The authorities closed the island to the publiclocated in the Channel Islands National Park, for the rest of the week.
Keep reading: Evacuation orders extended for Sandy Fire in Ventura County
Petty Officer Kenneth Wiese told KTLA that the USCG received a tip that a vessel had broken into pieces. after running aground on the island around 9:45 a.m. on Friday.
According to Wiese, the shipwrecked sailor would have launched flares at some point to attract the attention of nearby vessels.
A rescue swimmer and the crew of a USCG boat were deployed to rescue the 67-year-old sailor.who was transferred by helicopter to the Camarillo airport, in Ventura County.
Keep reading: Vegetation fire threatens homes in Ventura County
“We are very grateful that you are okay.“Wiese said, saying that the shipwrecked sailor did not suffer any injuries in the incident.
According to officials with the United States Forest Fire Service, the Santa Rosa fire It was first reported by an aircraft flying over the island at approximately 5:00 am on Friday.
The aircraft report It occurred several hours before the USCG was informed of the shipwreckbut the exact time at which the vessel ran aground could not be determined.
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“It is important to highlight that firefighters are working closely with Channel Islands National Park staff to guarantee the protection of cultural assets and sites, as well as the unique vegetation and fauna habitat of the island“Fire Service officials said.
“Six species of plants are found on Santa Rosa Island and not anywhere else in the world,” the officials added.
The fire destroyed uninhabited historic structures: Johnson’s Lee equipment shed and a storage building, at the western end of the fire-damaged area, and the Ruin Line Camp cabin, at the eastern end.
Keep reading: Danger of vegetation fires in Southern California due to intense winds
The National Park Service continues the investigation to determine the cause of the fire on Santa Rosa Island.
Four injured in Riverside wildfire
Riverside County firefighters battle Bain Firewhich began at approximately 11:22 am this Tuesday in the area of the intersection of Limonite Avenue and Bain Avenue, in Jurupa Valley.
According to Cal Fireplace, the fire caused Evacuation orders were issued after four civilians suffered injuries from the firewhich has already affected several structures.
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The four victims were treated at local hospitals, three for presenting symptoms of smoke inhalation and one for what were described as “traumatic injuries.”.
In a news update, at 5:24 p.m., The fire spread to 907 acres, with 0% containmentdue to the difficulty that firefighters face in trying to control the advance of the flames due to the constant changes in wind direction.
Keep reading:
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· New details emerge about suspect in Los Angeles Palisades fire
· Mayor Bass meets with Trump to recover Los Angeles after fires
