It started just yesterday, a massive wildfire that has now consumed over 4,000 acres on the tiny little island of Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California. Originally a playpen for the rich in famous going all the way back to the early 1930’s, the island with its posh resorts and luxury hotels attracts well over 10,000 people every weekend. But don’t think that means Hollywood celebs have given up on the hot spot. Catalina is the perfect place for a quick vacation for those that need a break, but don’t have time to travel across the globe. This week the island is being transformed as firefighters from all over California attempt to control the blaze. One survivor told CNN “It was like a nightmare when we left. You couldn’t breathe, and ash was falling like snow.”
Humans aren’t the only ones facing the danger though; the island is also home to the Catalina Island Fox. While the fires burn just over the horizon and residents seek safety inland, scientists are worried that the once nearly extinct animal may be seriously affected by the recent days events. Once numbering over 1,300 the fox were suddenly stricken with a form of canine distemper in the early 90’s that left a mere 75 or fewer roaming free. Thanks to the efforts of the Catalina Island Conservancy not only is the majority of the 76 square mile island reserved for the fox, but also they have made huge comeback with numbers now close to 500 strong. Though the conservatory is also helping other previously endangered animals such as the bison and bald eagle, the fox is said to have lived there for over 4,000 years. It’s the general opinion among experts that they found their way to the island by clinging to debris during a period of severe flooding. Now scientists are wondering what affect the wildfire will have on the Catalina Fox habitat.
As of this afternoon only 10% of the fire had been contained and the local government was busy enlisting help from the Marines stationed at nearby Camp Pendleton. Governor Schwarzenegger made it known that though his primary concern is for the families on the island, the animals were also a priority saying “Everyone is working very hard to make sure that the people are safe and the animals are safe.”
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