Smoke From Another Prescribed Burn on Angel Island Hovers Over SF

Yes, you are smelling smoke from a fire yet again, but it's just another prescribed burn on Angel Island.

As they did once before, earlier this month, California State Parks is conducting a prescribed burn on Angel Island to thin out flammable brush, and the smoke has now spread over the city of San Francisco.

The parks department warned on the day of the last burn, September 8, that more burns would likely occur, though a couple weeks have passed without any happening, likely due to weather conditions.

"Prescribed burns are planned and coordinated with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to minimize smoke impacts on surrounding communities," the parks department said in a release. "All burning depends on weather and air conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If conditions are not conducive, the burn will be rescheduled."

NBC Bay Area reports that 62 acres were burned in the first burn two weeks ago, out of 260 acres that are planned as part of these burns. So this is likely not the last day of smoke.

Officials have tried to get the word out to warn area residents not to call 911 about the smell of smoke, clogging up the emergency system.

These prescribed burns typically go from 9 am to 6 pm, and the smoke can linger for many hours after.

Burns like this one are supported by the 2024 Climate Bond, Prop 4, with the effort "specifically aimed at reducing fuel loads in grasslands and coastal scrub on the island," per the parks department.

Previously: Smoke Coming From Angel Island Is a Prescribed Burn