A prescribed burn on Angel Island sent thick grey smoke across parts of the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday, leaving haze and a strong smell of smoke in communities around San Francisco Bay.
The operation was being carried out by California State Parks, CAL FIRE and the Marin County Fire Department as part of a planned effort to reduce vegetation and lower the risk of a more serious wildfire on the island.
The latest burning resumed on September 23, two weeks after an earlier operation was halted following discussions with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District over smoke conditions. Officials said the work could continue through Thursday, September 24, depending on weather, air quality and the movement of smoke.
State Parks said the earlier phase, on September 8, treated 62 acres. The wider project is intended to cover up to 260 acres of grassland and coastal scrub.
Residents were warned that smoke would be most visible between 9am and 6pm on burn days and could remain visible for up to three days after the fires were lit. Authorities asked people not to call 911 simply to report smoke from Angel Island, in order to avoid overwhelming emergency dispatchers.
Officials said prescribed burns are planned in coordination with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to identify conditions that allow smoke to disperse. People affected by smoke were advised to limit their time outdoors and take precautions in areas where the air became hazy.
Angel Island State Park remained open, although parts of the Ida Trail and Sunset Trail, along with fire and perimeter roads near the burn area, were expected to close temporarily. Access to the summit of Mount Livermore could also be restricted on some burn days.
