A sailor's attempt to get rescued after crashing his boat on an island in California has led to the state's largest wildfire this year, scorching over 10,000 acres of land.

The fire broke out on Santa Rosa Island, which is part of the Channel Islands national park, after the 67-year-old sailor shot at least two distress flares to signal for help.

The sailor, who hasn't been named, was stranded on the island after his boat crashed on the shore. He etched 'SOS' into the ground, and his distress flares were seen by people on two separate vessels, who then contacted the National Park Service.

The Coast Guard sent a helicopter to rescue the sailor, and he was taken to a hospital in Camarillo. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but it's believed that the distress flares may have started the blaze.

'We do know that he launched some flares to try to get some attention,' said Kenneth Wiese, a spokesperson for the US Coast Guard's southwest district. 'It paid off for him. We were able to get him out of there.'

The fire has destroyed two structures: Johnson's Lee Equipment Shed and Wreck Line Camp Cabin. It's also threatening rare plant communities that conservationists have been trying to protect.

The Channel Islands are known for their high levels of biodiversity, with some calling them the 'Galapagos of California'. But the islands' ecology has been compromised by over a century of uncontrolled grazing by livestock and non-native wildlife.

Santa Rosa Island is home to six native plants that can't be found anywhere else. The National Park Service is working to shield a rare area of Torrey pines from the blaze.

About six dozen firefighters have been deployed to control the fire, but their efforts haven't been successful so far. Strong winds are undermining their efforts. The fire is currently at 0% containment, according to a Cal Fire incident report.

The National Park Service has closed Santa Rosa Island to visitors and evacuated staff while firefighters try to control the blaze.

Key Facts

  • The fire has burned over 10,000 acres of land
  • It's the largest wildfire in California so far this year
  • The fire started after a sailor shot distress flares to get attention
  • Two structures have been destroyed: Johnson's Lee Equipment Shed and Wreck Line Camp Cabin
  • The fire is threatening rare plant communities and a rare area of Torrey pines

The situation is still developing, and firefighters are working to contain the blaze. They don't expect to have it under control soon. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the National Park Service is working to protect the island's unique ecosystem. They're taking steps to prevent further damage.