Crews contain grass fire near NB I-280, Hwy 92 in San Mateo Co.

Lauren Martinez Image
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Crews contain grass fire near NB I-280 in San Mateo Co.
CAL FIRE says that forward progress has been stopped on a 3-alarm fire on I-280 in San Mateo County.

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- CAL FIRE says that forward progress has been stopped on a 3-alarm fire on I-280 in San Mateo County after it broke out Friday afternoon.

The fire was burning northbound I-280 south of Highway 92, the CHP said.

SKY7 is over a grass fire on northbound 280 on the Peninsula Friday, May 26, 2023.
SKY7 is over a grass fire on northbound 280 on the Peninsula Friday, May 26, 2023.
KGO-TV

Ethan Petersen, Battalion Chief of San Mateo County Fire/Calfire said roughly 50 fire personnel from nearby agencies responded.

"It was moving uphill of course and toward Crestview Drive, and we noticed some homes on Crestview Drive so I was worried about some structure defense," Petersen said.

San Mateo County Fire had a drone on standby but used information from CAL FIRE's helicopter to strategize their attack.

"We can't see the whole fire from where we're standing so we will use whatever type of aerial aircraft we can use," Petersen said.

Although the fire was small, smoke could be seen for miles. A reminder that more fires are just around the corner with summer on the way.

"It was a cool and somewhat moist day and we had a one-acre fire here on a day like today, so with the hotter days it's going to be even worse, so just be careful out there," Petersen said.

Battalion Chief Petersen said don't leave BBQs or campfires unattended.

"Just be smart with whatever you're going to be doing out there, it's going to be hot - just because of all these storms and rain does not mean we are officially out of a drought," Petersen said.

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