Fire crews plan to resume prescribed burn on Angel Island, 2 weeks after operation paused
ANGEL ISLAND, Calif. -- California State Parks, Cal Fire and the Marin County Fire Department plan to resume a prescribed burn on Angel Island State Park as early as Wednesday, two weeks after the operation was paused.
Angel Island is the largest island in San Francisco Bay, about one square mile, and smoke will be visible from elsewhere around the region. Residents are asked not to call 911 to report smoke from the island.
A planned burn of 260 acres that began Sept. 8 was paused after discussions with the Bay Area Air District. Smoke could be visible from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on burn days and for up to three days afterward.
The prescribed fire is intended to reduce grassland and coastal scrub fuel loads and lower the risk of a catastrophic wildfire on the island. The work is supported by Proposition 4, a bond approved by California voters in 2024 to fund climate resilience projects. So far, 62 acres have been completed.
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The agencies said renewed burning could continue through Thursday, depending on wildfire activity, staffing and equipment availability, weather, smoke movement and fuel moisture.
"We really look for those small windows that have the greatest ability to disperse the smoke in the least impactful manner," said Division Chief Graham Groneman with the Marin County Fire Department.
Angel Island State Park will remain open during burn days. However, some trails near the burn area, including portions of the Ida Trail, Sunset Trail, and the park's fire and perimeter roads, will be closed for one to three days during and immediately after the burn. Access to the summit of Mount Livermore on the island will not be permitted on some burn days as well.
Visitors are advised to follow posted closures and directions from park and fire personnel.
