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A National Park, Once a California Ranch, Is On Fire

“It was taken to be preserved, yet today I watch it burn,” says Nita Vail. Her family was forced off Santa Rosa Island by the Park Service in 2011. UPDATED 2:30 PM

Keely Covello's avatar
Keely Covello
May 19, 2026
∙ Paid
Over one-third of Santa Rosa Island is burning. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Ventura

UPDATE (1:00 PM Tuesday): Shifting winds are threatening the historic ranch buildings on the north part of the island. Tankers appear focused on protecting Park Service headquarters, campgrounds, and possibly the historic buildings. The ranch house is thought to b…

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