Crime & Safety

San Mateo Fire Displaces 13

Blaze causes about $800,000 in damage to multi-family dwelling on E. Santa Inez Avenue.

This story was updated based on new information from the San Mateo Fire Department.

A two-alarm fire displaced 13 people and caused about $800,000 in damage to a multi-family dwelling in San Mateo on Friday afternoon, Fire Chief Dan Belville said.

The fire was reported at about 1:25 p.m. in a two-story structure at 606 E. Santa Inez Avenue. According to fire officials, it originated in the rear of structure and spread throughout two units, which are now uninhabitable. Three other units sustained smoke damage but can still be occupied.

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An adjacent detached garage at 250 Delaware Street was also damaged by the fire.

Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes and had the fire under control by about 2:05 p.m., Belville said. No one was injured.

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A total of 13 people -- eight adults and five children -- were displaced by the blaze, Belville said. The local Red Cross is providing shelter for the displaced residents.

Weather conditions fanned the flames and made it more difficult for firefighters to extinguish the blaze, Belville said. "Winds were blowing, so they were a factor, and everything was preheated from the heat the past few days," he said.

According to a statement from the San Mateo Fire Department, "A second alarm was dispatched bringing eight fire engines, two ladder trucks, one breathing support unit, one dispatcher and four battalion chiefs to the incident. Of the 41 fire personnel on scene, no injuries were reported. Neighboring agencies, including Foster City Fire Department, Central County Fire Department, Cal Fire, and Public Safety Communications assisted San Mateo Fire units."

Firefighters were remaining at the scene into the night to make sure the fire does not rekindle, Belville said. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

-- Staff Reports


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