Fire At Redwood City Metal Recycler Prompts Air Quality Warnings

REDWOOD CITY (CBS SF) -- A fire at a scrap metal recycling facility near the Port of Redwood City was brought under control Sunday evening, but firefighters remained on scene trying to fully extinguish it, officials said.

While the fire at Sims Metal Management at 699 Seaport Boulevard was not near any residential neighborhoods, the dark plume of smoke triggered air quality advisories for residents in southern San Mateo County, Santa Clara County and southern Alameda County, according to Redwood City officials.

Residents in those areas and anyone who can see or smell smoke should stay indoors, close their windows and turn off any systems that circulate outside air, emergency officials said.

The smoke was blowing in a southwesterly direction, according to Palo Alto fire officials.

The one-alarm fire was reported at about 1:20 p.m., burning in an outdoor pile of scrap recyclables.

The fire sent smoke drifting over U.S. Highway 101, according to the CHP.

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