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Angel Island Fire Lights up the Night

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Boating and Sailing News 13 Oct

Fire at Angel Island in San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay - The jewel in the crown of San Francisco Bay, 740 acre Angel Island has been a destination and landmark of sailors for centuries, and enjoys one of the few mooring fields in all of California. Last night at 2100 local time, a fire was reported on the island (which is entirely a State Park). With the recent dry northerlies, the blaze was out of control in minutes, and was burning many acres within an hour, which is when YachtPals shot these night photos.

The hot, bright flames lit up the sky and could be seen throughout the Bay. With limited firefighting abilities on the island, the USCG began shuttling Firefighters from Marin County immediately. This fire likely occurred as visitors to the island watched the Blue Angels and other shows during the Fleet Week festivities. A dry day, perhaps a cigarette butt or stray spark from a BBQ, and suddenly the Bay's favorite natural landmark was ablaze. Smoke is still pouring from the island this morning, and it's been reported that a full third of the island has already burned as firefighters try to control the hot spots and protect what's left of the island's nature and historical buildings.

Much of California is a tinderbox. Rain rarely falls in the Summer, and by the time the northerlies mark the beginning of Fall, the grasses along the coast are ready to burn. Many scientists point to evidence in natural history like the giant redwoods, whose cones won't even release seeds until they've gone through a good hot conflagration, and say that fire is part of the cycle of life in the Golden State. So while many of the oaks and laurels of Angel Island may take years to return, we can rest assured that next spring, the wildflowers will paint the island once again.