Devastating Wildfire Engulfs Mojave Desert, Destroying Iconic Joshua Trees

The York Fire, California's largest fire of the year, has burned over 82,000 acres in the Mojave Desert, threatening and destroying groves of iconic Joshua trees. The fire has caused significant damage to the biodiverse Mojave National Preserve, with conservationists expressing concern for the potential loss of millions of Joshua trees. Firefighters have made progress in containing the fire, but the long-term impact on the landscape and vegetation is expected to be severe. The fire's frequency in the area has increased in recent years due to wet winters and invasive grasses. The rain poses a unique challenge to firefighters in the desert, as it activates desert tortoises, a threatened species.