"Battle Against Wildfire Imperils Joshua Trees, Despite Progress"

Firefighters are working to contain the York Fire, California's largest wildfire this year, which has burned over 128 square miles of land and is threatening the iconic Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve. Rainfall has aided containment efforts, but drier weather is expected to return. Firefighters are using a cautious approach to minimize damage to the fragile ecosystem, clearing fire lines without bulldozers. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the long-term recovery of the affected plant species, including Joshua trees, is uncertain. The fire has also entered Nevada's Avi Kwa Ame national monument.