The wildfire poses a significant threat to Santa Rosa Island's unique ecosystem, including rare plant species such as the Torrey pine, which grows naturally only on the island and near San Diego. The fire has already destroyed large swaths of vegetation, potentially disrupting habitats for native wildlife. Smoke from the fire has also impacted air quality in the surrounding areas. With the fire perimeter still uncontained as of May 19, 2026, the risk of further ecological damage remains high. Public access to the island has been restricted to ensure safety and facilitate firefighting efforts.