MARIN COUNTY, CA — A prescribed burn at Angel Island State Park could resume as early as Wednesday, with California State Parks, CAL FIRE and the Marin County Fire Department planning to continue the fuel-reduction project.
The burn is planned for Wednesday and Thursday, though the timing will depend on wildfire activity, available resources, weather, predicted smoke movement and fuel moisture, officials said.
State Parks began the prescribed burn Sept. 8 but paused the operation after 62 acres were burned. The original plan called for 260 acres.
"We were able to burn 62 acres on the island with the fuels reduction that we've accomplished, reducing the chance of a catastrophic fire on the island," said Division Chief Sean Jerry of CAL FIRE's Sonoma Lake Napa Unit.
Officials said residents should not call 911 to report smoke from the prescribed burn.
Smoke could be visible from surrounding Bay Area communities between about 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on burn days, with some smoke potentially visible for up to three days after ignition.
The burns are coordinated with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and will only proceed when weather and air conditions are favorable for dispersing smoke.
"We work closely with the Air Quality Management District, and 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 of the Marin County Fire Department.
Angel Island State Park will remain open during the operation, but portions of the Ida Trail, Sunset Trail and fire and perimeter roads could be closed for one to three days during and after the burn. Access to the summit of Mount Livermore could also be restricted on some burn days.
Officials urged visitors to follow posted closure signs and directions from park and fire personnel.
"As always, we will be doing this with our neighbors and communities in mind," said Senior Environmental Scientist Naftali Moed of California State Parks.
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