CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SANTA CRUZ ISLAND : Fire Ignited by Flare Scorches 600 Acres

A fire ignited by a rescue flare raced across about 600 acres of rugged, brush-covered ground on Santa Cruz Island, 25 miles off the Southern California coast, authorities said. The fire began on the northeast side of the island, National Park Service spokeswoman Carol Spears said. The island, a nature preserve, is part of the Channel Islands National Park. No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged. Spears said the fire, which was ignited by a flare used during a Coast Guard boat rescue, was expected to be controlled by this morning.