USA Fires in Southern California: Firefighters make progress
Hundreds of firefighters are battling several wildfires in the south of the US state of California. The large-scale operation at the start of the fire season in the west coast state is proving successful.
20.05.2026, 04:41
SDA
A fire on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of California was 26 percent contained on Tuesday evening (local time), according to the authorities. It had covered an area of around 68 square kilometers within a few days.
Northwest of Los Angeles, a forest fire spread over an area of almost seven square kilometers in the vicinity of the city of Simi Valley, according to the fire protection authority Cal Fire. The so-called "Sandy Fire" was five percent contained on Tuesday. Cooler weather and decreasing winds aided the firefighting efforts.
Fierce winds had quickly spread this fire on Monday morning in the hills above the town of Simi Valley. According to media reports, at least one house was destroyed. Evacuation orders and warnings were issued 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 modern history of the island
According to the Los Angeles Times, the fire on Santa Rosa Island is the largest documented fire in the island's modern history. 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 may have been caused by the signal rockets of a stranded sailor. The 67-year-old was stranded on the island after a boating accident and was later rescued by helicopter.
