A firefighting helicopter fighting California wildfires.Image: keystone
May 20, 2026, 07:23May 20, 2026, 07:23
Hundreds of firefighters are battling several forest fires in southern California. The large-scale operation at the beginning of the fire season in the west coast state is proving successful. According to authorities, a fire on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of California was 26 percent contained on Tuesday evening (local time). Within a few days it covered an area of around 68 square kilometers.
Northwest of Los Angeles, a forest fire spread over an area of almost seven square kilometers in the area surrounding the city of Simi Valley, according to the fire protection agency Cal Fire. The so-called “Sandy Fire” was five percent contained on Tuesday. Cooler weather and decreasing winds facilitated the fire-fighting work.
Strong winds had quickly spread this fire into the hills above the town of Simi Valley on Monday morning. According to media reports, at least one residential building was destroyed. Evacuation orders and warnings were in effect for several districts. At times around 29,000 people were affected, but on Tuesday the number fell to around 17,000.
Largest fire in the island’s modern history
According to the Los Angeles Times, the fire on Santa Rosa Island is considered the largest documented fire in the modern history of the island. The island, which is popular with campers and hikers, is part of the Channel Islands National Park and is known for its unique flora and fauna. Since the fire broke out, the island has been closed to visitors until further notice.
According to the US Coast Guard in US media, the fire could have been started by the signal rockets of a stranded sailor. The 67-year-old was stranded on the island after a boat accident and was later rescued by helicopter. (nil/sda/dpa)