Ventura County, California — A 67-year-old sailor who survived a shipwreck on Santa Rosa Island may have accidentally ignited a massive wildfire while attempting to signal for help using emergency flares, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The incident began on Friday when the man’s sailboat crashed into rocks along the island’s shoreline. Stranded and seeking rescue, he reportedly fired emergency flares, one of which investigators believe sparked the devastating brush fire.

The blaze quickly grew to over 16,000 acres, burning significant portions of the remote island, which is part of Channel Islands National Park.

Aerial images released by the Coast Guard show large plumes of smoke rising from the island, while ground-level photos reveal extensive charred terrain. In one dramatic image, the word “SOS” was visibly burned into the landscape — believed to be an attempt by the mariner to signal for help from above.

The man was eventually rescued and is receiving medical attention. No serious injuries have been reported.

“While the individual was trying to save his own life by signaling for help, the flare appears to have started this significant fire,” a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson stated.

Santa Rosa Island, located off the coast of Southern California, is known for its rugged wilderness and is a protected natural area. The fire has prompted a major response from federal and local firefighting agencies, including aerial water drops and ground crews working to contain the blaze.

Strong winds and dry vegetation contributed to the rapid spread of the fire in its early stages. Containment efforts are ongoing as officials assess the full extent of the environmental damage to the ecologically sensitive island.

This unusual case highlights both the dangers of maritime travel along the California coast and the potential risks associated with emergency signaling devices in wildfire-prone areas.

The investigation into the exact cause of the fire remains active. Officials have not yet released the name of the shipwrecked sailor.