Forward Spread Of Fire In Belmont's San Juan Canyon Stopped; Evacuation Order Lifted
BELMONT (CBS SF) -- Crews have contained a four-alarm vegetation fire that broke out in the Belmont hills on Monday afternoon, threatening several homes and the evacuation order has been lifted.
According to officials, the fire broke out on the 2900 block of Alhambra Drive in the city's San Juan Canyon area shortly before 4 p.m.
Belmont Police announced shortly after 4:15 p.m. that San Juan Canyon from East Laurel Creek Road to Cipriani Boulevard had been evacuated due to the fire.
Evacuations: San Juan Canyon from East Laurel Creek Rd to Cipriani Bl due to fire. Code Red
— Belmont Police Dept. (@belmontcapolice) September 21, 2020
The fire quickly grew to four alarms. Video from Chopper 5 showed the fire burning close to homes.
Shortly after 5 p.m., the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department announced that forward progress of the fire had been stopped. Crews would remain on scene to extinguish any hot spots.
Forward progress on the 4-Alarm #VegetationFire off of E. Laurel Creek Rd. in the Belmont hills has been stopped. Crews will be extended on scene to assure all hot spots are put out. #LaurelFire #SMCFIRE
— San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (@SMCFireDept) September 22, 2020
"I was at my dining room table on a Zoom call and I saw smoke coming out of the canyon behind," said said evacuee Tim Roberson. "Went out back and it was about 100 meters from the back yard. I had a pool pump and a big hose, so I was soaking the ground out behind my house, just trying to help."
Per @SMCFireDept and BPD unified command, it is anticipated that evac orders will be lifted by 10pm. Roads may not be accessible by vehicle due to fire apparatus on scene. Fire personnel will be on scene overnight as a precaution.
— Belmont Police Dept. (@belmontcapolice) September 22, 2020
Officials said the blaze charred about 2 acres. No injuries were reported and no homes were damaged, but the fire did burn a retaining wall, along with some fencing, according to police.
The evacuation order was lifted at 9 p.m., according to police, but the 2900 block of Alhambra Drive will remain closed.
Police said they will be stepping up patrols in the area Monday night.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.