India, June 27 -- California's Channel Islands is preparing to reopen Santa Rosa Island for day use next month after it suffered its largest recorded wildfire in history.

The reopening is the first step in inviting visitors back to the island, which is located in Channel Islands National Park. Starting in May, the island burned for 20 days, scorching 18,379 acres and becoming the largest wildfire of the 2026 California wildfire season.

"We know visitors are eager to return to Santa Rosa Island, and we are working carefully to restore safe public access while protecting park resources," Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley said in a statement.

While day trips can resume starting July 1, Santa Rosa Island will remain closed to overnight v...