Angel Island fire seen for miles

A fast-moving brush fire atop Angel Island shot flames high in to the air and glowed so brightly Sunday night that it could be seen for miles around San Francisco Bay by residents in several counties.

Residents in San Francisco, Marin, Contra Costa and Alameda counties - from the hills in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and El Cerrito to the shorelines along Richmond, Tiburon, Sausalito and San Francisco described the fire as spectacular and massive.

The fire, reported about 9 p.m. Sunday, grew quickly and had consumed up to 100 acres on the east side of the island by 11:15 p.m., fire officials said. At 740 acres, Angel Island is the largest island in San Francisco Bay.

"We are dealing with some real heavy vegetation and some very active flames kicking up," said Marin County Fire Battalion Chief Mike Giannini. "It is challenging not only because of the heavy vegetation but in getting crews up there. First they have to be brought in by boat. And once they get over there, they have to get up to the top of the island."

San Francisco Chronicle