Smoke May Be Visible From Prescribed Burn On The Peninsula

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Locals may see smoke emitting from prescribed burns Tuesday in San Mateo County.

Cal Fire will manage the prescribed burn near I-280 and St. James Road in Belmont.

"This high-visibility, single-day operation is a critical component in reducing hazardous fuel loads in the Wildland-Urban Interface," Cal Fire officials said.

Fire Officials are asking locals to please avoid calling 911 for updates.

The Ralston Bike Trail will close between Ralston Avenue and Cañada Road during the prescribed burn. Smoke will be visible from Sheep Camp Trail, Crystal Springs Road, I-280, Highway 92 east to El Camino Real, and the surrounding communities of San Carlos, Hillsborough, Belmont, San Mateo, Redwood City and Woodside.

"This strategically planned fuel reduction project targets dense vegetation, addressing an area of frequent fire activity along I-280. Given the steep, inaccessible terrain of the area, prescribed fire is not merely an option, but the most strategic and impactful method to create a defensible space for nearby communities, including Fox Elementary and residents along St. James Road," said Cal Fire CZU Burn Boss Sarah Collamer.