San Francisco Airport: Fire Impacts And Safety Measures

Wildfires have been affecting flights to and from San Francisco International Airport. In 2018, smoke from the Camp Fire blanketed the state, causing delays of up to 90 minutes at the airport. In 2024, wildfires in Butte County caused unhealthy air quality conditions, reduced visibility, and widespread smoke and haze, resulting in delays and cancellations at the airport. While San Francisco Airport has not been directly impacted by fires, nearby airports such as Hollywood Burbank Airport have experienced flight disruptions due to wildfires in the region.

Delays and cancellations at San Francisco Airport due to fire smoke

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has been affected by wildfires, causing flight delays and cancellations. In March 2024, flights were delayed by up to 90 minutes due to smoke from the Camp Fire, which had spread across northern California. The smoke blanketed the state, causing reduced visibility and unhealthy air quality conditions.

The devastating Butte County Wildfires have also impacted flights at SFO, with similar consequences of poor visibility and air quality. To minimize the impact on passengers, the air-conditioning systems within the terminals have been adjusted, and additional efforts are being made.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for specific flight details and stay updated with any travel alerts. The fire conditions can change rapidly, and strong winds can further disrupt flight operations.

In January 2025, a fire on the active runway at SFO caused the airport to close temporarily. This incident also resulted in delays and diversions, with only two runways initially available for operations. While the fire did not directly relate to wildfires, it demonstrates the potential for sudden disruptions at the airport due to fire-related incidents.

The impact of wildfires on San Francisco Airport highlights the challenges of operating in such conditions, and the priority is to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

The impact of fire on air quality

Wildfires can have a significant impact on air quality, affecting both outdoor and indoor environments. The smoke and haze produced by these fires can result in reduced visibility and unhealthy air quality conditions, as seen in the case of the Butte County Wildfires, which impacted flights at San Francisco International Airport.

Smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles released when wood and other organic materials burn. These fine particles pose the biggest health threat, as they can infiltrate the respiratory system and cause eye irritation, runny noses, and illnesses such as bronchitis. They can also aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and have been linked to premature deaths in vulnerable individuals.

During wildfires, it is crucial to monitor local air quality reports and stay alert for smoke-related news and health warnings. When advised to stay indoors, it is important to keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke infiltration. Using air conditioning and air purifiers can also help improve indoor air quality, but it is essential to keep the fresh air intake closed and regularly change filters to prevent the buildup of smoke and particles.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors, such as frying or broiling food, burning candles, or incense, and vacuuming without a HEPA filter. These measures can help reduce exposure to harmful particles and protect overall health.

The impact of wildfires on air quality can be far-reaching, and even distant communities may experience the effects of smoke and particle pollution. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to safeguard against potential health risks associated with poor air quality during wildfire events.

Evacuation orders and procedures

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) conducts an annual emergency exercise to ensure its readiness for potential incidents. This is a critical part of the airport's emergency preparedness and continuous training program. In the event of an incident, emergency, or life-threatening situation, passengers, employees, and the public at SFO with mobile phones in the prescribed area and with "Emergency Alerts" enabled in their phone settings will receive a text message accompanied by an audible alert.

In the case of an emergency, such as a fire, passengers should follow the instructions of the flight crew and airport staff. During an emergency evacuation, it is important to remain calm and follow instructions promptly. Leave your belongings behind and move quickly towards the nearest exit. If you are evacuating from a plane, use the emergency slides and the jet bridge to exit.

If you are in the airport terminal and receive an emergency notification, follow the instructions provided in the message. Locate the nearest exit and proceed to the designated emergency assembly areas. Do not use elevators during an evacuation; instead, use the stairs or escalators.

In the event of a fire, the San Francisco Fire Department-Airport Division will respond. They are responsible for providing fire protection, training, fire prevention, code enforcement, emergency medical services, hazardous materials abatement, and community-based fire safety training for the airport.

Fire-fighting strategies and challenges

Firefighting strategies and challenges are constantly evolving, especially when it comes to tackling wildfires, which have impacted the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in recent years. Here are some key strategies and challenges faced by firefighters in the context of wildfires affecting the San Francisco area:

• Fire Suppression and Containment: Firefighters employ various tactics to suppress and contain wildfires. This includes creating firebreaks by clearing vegetation and establishing containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading further. In the case of the 2018 Camp Fire, fire crews worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, but it still destroyed several towns, including Paradise.
• Air Quality Management: Wildfires can significantly impact air quality, leading to unhealthy conditions for residents and travelers. To mitigate this, airports like SFO set the air-conditioning systems to "recirculate" to reduce the smoke smell inside terminals. Additionally, authorities may issue air quality alerts and encourage residents to stay indoors or take necessary precautions when outdoors.
• Evacuations and Public Safety: Wildfires often require mandatory evacuations to ensure the safety of residents and travelers. In the case of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, evacuation orders were issued for hundreds of thousands of residents. Airports may also need to evacuate staff and passengers to safe locations, ensuring their well-being and providing updates on flight delays or cancellations.
• Aircraft Operations: Wildfire smoke can disrupt aircraft operations, leading to flight delays or cancellations. In some cases, such as the 2018 Camp Fire, smoke blanketed the state, affecting visibility and causing delays at SFO. Aircraft may need to be diverted to other airports or grounded until conditions improve.
• Resource Allocation: Firefighting efforts require significant resources, including personnel, equipment, and aircraft. During large-scale wildfires, resources may need to be mobilized from other regions or states to provide additional support. This can pose logistical challenges, especially when multiple fires are burning simultaneously.
• Weather Conditions: Weather plays a crucial role in firefighting efforts. High winds, drought conditions, and low humidity can fuel wildfires and make them more challenging to control. Firefighters must constantly monitor weather patterns and adapt their strategies accordingly.
• Fire Behavior Analysis: Understanding fire behavior is essential for effective firefighting. This includes analyzing factors such as fuel type, topography, and weather conditions to predict how the fire will spread. By studying fire behavior, firefighters can make more informed decisions about resource allocation and containment strategies.
• Public Communication: Effective communication with the public is critical during wildfires. Authorities must provide timely and accurate updates to residents, travelers, and airport staff about fire conditions, evacuations, road closures, and flight disruptions. Social media and alert systems play a vital role in disseminating this information.
• Fire Investigation: Determining the cause of a wildfire is an important aspect of firefighting strategy. In some cases, the origin of a fire may be unknown or under investigation, as was the case with the Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire in California. Understanding the cause can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
• Wildlife and Environmental Impact: Wildfires can have devastating effects on wildlife and the environment. Firefighters must consider the impact on ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and protected areas when battling blazes. In some cases, controlled burns or indirect suppression strategies may be employed to minimize ecological damage.

Community support and volunteer efforts

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has been affected by wildfires in the region, with flights experiencing delays and cancellations due to reduced visibility, unhealthy air quality, and widespread smoke and haze. While there is no specific information about community support and volunteer efforts directly related to the airport during these fire incidents, there are some general initiatives worth mentioning.

Firstly, the American Red Cross has been actively providing support to wildfire victims across California. Red Cross volunteers have been offering hot meals, shelter, emotional support, recovery planning, and financial assistance to those affected. They have also been providing basic medical support, such as initial examinations and replacing prescriptions and durable medical equipment. Red Cross volunteers are known for their kindness and willingness to listen to those impacted by the fires.

Additionally, organizations in San Diego and Los Angeles have stepped up to support relief efforts. For example, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation distributes critical equipment and supplies to firefighters, while the California Fire Foundation provides financial assistance to those affected by the fires, including firefighters and their families. The Salvation Army, Direct Relief, and GlobalGiving's California Wildfire Relief Fund are also actively involved in providing various forms of support.

Local businesses and restaurants have also contributed to the relief efforts. For instance, MUNICIPAL Oceanside offered free coffee, drinks, pastries, and gear to anyone affected by the fires. Amalfi Cucina Italiana provided free pizzas and pasta to impacted residents. Tribute Pizza donated proceeds from a specific pizza to those affected by the fires and the California Fire Foundation's Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund.

These collective efforts showcase the community's support and volunteer initiatives to help those affected by the wildfires, including those who may have been travelling through or to San Francisco International Airport.

Frequently asked questions