Firefighting crews continue to surround the blaze burning on Santa Rosa Island, with containment hitting 87% as Sunday evening.
Holding at 18,379 acres, the fire on the island about 26 miles off the Santa Barbara coast remains the largest active blaze in the state.
The firefighting force numbered 117 people on Sunday, authorities said.
On Sunday morning, officials said crews would target areas where firefighters detected heat below Soledad Peak and Radar Peak, south of the Main (Soledad) Road.
Crews planned to employ a direct extinguishment strategy in the area using minimum impact suppression tactics, or MIST, a light-on-the-land approach recognizing the uniqueness of the island’s ecosystem.
Reported on May 15, the fire apparently started after a man crashed his sailboat into the south side of the island. The boat ignited, and he fired flares to alert others nearby of his location. Officials said the cause is still under investigation.
Saturday night and early Sunday morning, firefighters continued to patrol containment lines as cooler temperatures provided an advantage.
As containment rose, suppression-repair continued in the Main Ranch Complex, federal officials said.
A resource adviser team, including restoration biologists, archeologists and cultural specialists, will work with equipment operators on techniques to minimize additional ground disturbance and soil compaction.
“This work will reduce soil erosion potential by spreading and slowing water flow and increasing soil cover, discouraging undesired access, and reducing visual impacts of fire suppression activities,” according to the morning update.
Sunday also saw a swap of firefighters with plans for a new crew “as the incident changes in complexity and moves to the next phase.”
Federal officials say two boats would return the firefighters to the mainland: the Sea Ranger II, Channel Islands National Park’s dive vessel, and another boat from Ventura-based Island Packers.
“This teamwork and logistical support are greatly appreciated by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and National Parks – as it demonstrates efficiency, coordination, and collaboration, especially during an incident,” federal officials said.
Due to the fire, Santa Rosa Island will remain closed to all day and overnight use through at least June 6 with Water Canyon Campground reservations cancelled through the date and visitors notified by email.
However, campground reservation holders with bookings through Aug. 14 also have been informed that the wildfire may affect their plans. If more cancellations are needed, follow-up emails would be sent, National Park officials said.
Two uninhabited historic structures burned in the fire along with a storage shed. Additionally, the fire destroyed a wind shelter at a campsite at Water Canyon Campground.
However, officials said the campground otherwise was left intact.