Grass fire near Facebook in Menlo Park contained

Bay City News
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Grass fire burns near Facebook in Menlo Park
Officials are warning drivers about a large grass fire burning in Menlo Park Monday afternoon that prompted the closure of University Avenue at Bayfront Expressway.

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Officials said a grass fire that broke out at a large field near Facebook's headquarters in Menlo Park has been contained and possibly started in a homeless encampment.

Firefighters said the fire charred at least 13 acres.

Fire officials with the Redwood City Fire Department first reported the blaze, happening at University Avenue and Bayfront Expressway, around 4 p.m.

The fire was mostly out around 6 p.m., with a few remaining hot spots and flare-ups, according to Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.

The blaze was confined to a marsh area which is home to a number of homeless encampments. "It looks like it started at one of the encampments," Schapelhouman said. "The official cause is pending, but that's definitely very suspect."

The fire briefly threatened power lines, but did not damage any structures. No injuries have been reported, according to Schapelhouman.

University Avenue was temporarily closed at Purdue Avenue due to the fire, but it has reopened, Schapelhouman said.