Angel Island Fire in San Francisco Bay (Photos)

Posted on: October 13th, 2008 by: Meg

A fire broke out on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night. The fast moving brush fire produced spectacular flames that were visible in the night sky from the counties of San Francisco, Marin, Contra Costa and Alameda.

The 740 acre Angel Island is the largest Island in San Francisco Bay and is lush with very thick vegetation according to Marin County Fire Battalion Chief Mike Giannini. The biggest challenge for fire officials has been transporting fire crews to the scene on U.S. Coast Guard boats. Additional fire trucks, to supplement the one fire engine on site, were being ferried over on barges.

Over 100 firemen were on the scene by midnight. The island contains many historical buildings, though none were said to be in immediate danger. The blaze is on the east side of the island near the reservoir, facing the city. Used as a state park, the island used to be a fort and later an immigration station.

The popular picnicing and camping destination is accessible by ferry from San Francisco and Tiburon.

Photo gallery below - click to enlarge.