Wildfire in Catalina Island, California

The Catalina Island wildfire burned 4,750 acres on Catalina Island. The fire, which was started accidentally by a repair crew at the KBRT transmitter tower, was fueled by warm temperatures, low relative humidity and very dry vegetation. The fire burned very close to the community of Avalon, resulting in the evacuation of over 4,000 people from the island. One home and six commercial building were destroyed. Total damage and firefighting cost was approximately $3.3 million. One minor firefighter injury was reported due to smoke inhalation.

An unusual late-season Santa Ana event developed across Southern California in early May. The offshore winds generated record heat and very low relative humidity which led to the development of two wildfires, one near Griffith Park and one on Catalina Island.