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Angel Island Prescribed Burn Paused After Smoke Raises Bay Area Air-Quality Concerns

Agencies halted further burns to protect public health pending reassessment of weather and air forecasts.

Overview

  • Cal FIRE and partner agencies burned about 62 acres on Angel Island on Tuesday before pausing the operation.
  • The project had targeted up to 260 acres of grassland and coastal scrub to reduce fuel loads, control invasive plants and restore habitat.
  • Smoke from the Tuesday burn drifted across the Bay toward Richmond, Berkeley and Oakland, prompting a brief Bay Area Air District warning and a Spare the Air alert.
  • Officials canceled the planned Wednesday burns and said they will resume only when winds, temperatures and air-quality forecasts are favorable.
  • Angel Island State Park and its campgrounds remained open while some nearby trails and roads were temporarily closed for safety, highlighting the short-term smoke impacts versus long-term wildfire-risk reduction goals.