WOODSIDE — Firefighters responded to a ten acre wildfire Saturday that broke out along Highway 280 and closed the highway in both directions, authorities said.
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Authorities were fighting the fire near Farm Hill Boulevard around 5 p.m., and the blaze grew to 2 to 3 acres by 5:20 p.m., according to a social media post from Cal Fire CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit.
Shortly before 6:30 p.m., the fire was estimated to be six acres on the west side of the highway and four acres on the east side, authorities said. By 6:50 p.m., forward progress was stopped.
“Crews are making great progress,” Cal Fire said on social media.
Highway 280 was closed in the northbound direction beginning at Woodside Road and the southbound direction beginning at Edgewood Road, according to CHP Redwood City. Authorities were not sure when the highway would reopen.
Forward progress on the east side of the highway was stopped shortly before 6 p.m. but crews continued to battle the blaze on the other side. Aircraft were dropping fire retardant.
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and fire personnel began evacuating residents in the area of Laning Drive and Canada Road shortly after 6 p.m., according to an alert from San Mateo County.
“Visibility in area may be reduced and roads can become blocked by emergency personnel,” authorities said. “If in the area please evacuate immediately and wait for the all clear.”
CHP Redwood City said on social media that the fire was due to a vehicle fire that broke out because of mechanical issues which then spread to vegetation alongside the highway. There were no injuries immediately reported, CHP added.
The response by Cal Fire and San Mateo County Fire included at least 15 engines, one helicopter, multiple fixed wing aircraft and two water tenders, authorities said. Shortly before 6 p.m., a bulldozer and firefighter hand crew were en route to the fire. The fixed wing aircraft were released around 6:20 p.m.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
