One of the Channel Islands hit by a wildfire will now be closed at least through the end of June.
Containment stands at 97% for the Santa Rosa Island Fire, which started May 15. The 18,379 acre fire has charred more than a third of the island. Crews are doing mop up work and restoration on areas impacted by firefighting activities.
Three structures were lost. A bigger concern is the potential damage to the habitat for a number of rare and endangered plants and animals found on the island. Specialists are now in the process of evaluating the damage.
National Park Service officials say the island will remain closed to the public through the end of the month. People with camping reservations for July and mid-August have been notified they may also be affected.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
