San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department responds to Vegetation Fire in San Juan Canyon

BELMONT, CA- On September 21, 2020 at 3:44pm, the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMCFD) responded to a grass fire in San Juan Canyon in the 2900 block of Alhambra Drive. Fire Crews found a vegetation fire and started an aggressive fire attack, escalating the response to a fourth alarm. The fire was brought under control at approximately 5:00pm. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

A unified command was established with the Belmont Police Department. Out of an abundance of caution, approximately 40 homes were evacuated, and evacuation sites were established in partnership with the Belmont Parks and Recreation Department at the Belmont Senior Center and at Cipriani Elementary School. Property damage was limited to 40 feet of retaining wall and 60 feet of fencing, no homes were damaged, and no injuries were reported. In total, approximately 2 acres of land were burned.

SMCFD was supported by over 90 personnel from several partner agencies including CalFire, Central County Fire Department, Redwood City Fire Department, Woodside Fire Protection District, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services, San Mateo County Public Safety Communications, PG&E, and American Medical Response. Cooperating law enforcement agencies included the City of San Mateo Police Department, the San Mateo County Sherriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol.

Several crews will remain on scene overnight and into tomorrow for a total of 24 hours of constant fire watch to address any remaining hotspots and monitor conditions. Residents are expected to return home later this evening.