Crime & Safety

Update: Fire at RWC Machine Shop Controlled

The fire Friday morning reached six alarms and sent smoke billowing into the air that could be seen for miles.

Update: Friday 10:31 a.m.
The fire in Redwood City has been controlled. Residents are advised that it's safe to go outside and there is no health hazard.

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Update: Friday 9:34 a.m.


Firefighters have nearly controlled a six-alarm fire at a machine shop in Redwood City Friday morning, but not before it spread to an adjacent apartment building and displaced more than a dozen residents, a Redwood City fire marshal said.

Firefighters responded at about 5:50 a.m. to the blaze at 894 Douglas Ave., according to a San Mateo County fire dispatcher. FMW Machine Shop is located at that address.

Firefighters had contained the fire as of about 9:15 a.m. but had not yet declared it under control, Redwood City Fire Marshal Jim Palisi said.

Before firefighters could contain the massive blaze, it spread to a nearby apartment building, causing "significant" damage, Palisi said.

About 15 people live in the building and won't be able to return Friday, he said.

Damage to the machine shop was extensive, including the collapse of the building's roof, Palisi said.

According to county officials, the response to the fire has prompted the closure of nearby streets. Broadway is closed in the area and Spring Street is also closed between Sweeney and Hurlingame avenues, county officials said. 
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Update: Friday 8:44 a.m.

San Mateo County health officials are urging community members to exercise caution due to the six-alarm fire in Redwood City.

In a statement e-mailed Friday morning, health officials said, "If you smell smoke, use common sense and avoid smoke by staying indoors or limiting outdoor activity.

Find out what's happening in Foster Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"All smoke is toxic and people should decrease or minimize their exposure to smoke. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions are particularly sensitive," the statement reads.

"Other steps people can take to reduce respiratory problems include setting air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate, and if the air smells of smoke, limit your outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure."

Find out what's happening in Foster Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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Update: Friday 8:32 a.m.

At least one school in Redwood City is closed Friday because of the six-alarm fire.

A Tweet sent out at 8:20 a.m. from @SummitPS says, "Due to the fire in the area, Summit Preparatory Charter High School in Redwood City, CA will be closed today, Friday, January 17th."
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KCBS Radio reports the fire has spread to 892 Douglas Ave., and has learned that some residences nearby have been evacuated.

Update: Friday 7:30 a.m. 

A fire at a machine shop in Redwood City Friday morning has been upgraded to six alarms, a San Mateo County fire dispatcher said.
           
Firefighters responded at about 5:50 a.m. to the blaze at 894 Douglas Ave.
           
FMW Machine Shop is located at that address.
           
The fire was still burning as of 7:15 a.m., the fire dispatcher said.
           
According to county officials, the response to the fire has prompted the closure of nearby streets.
           
Broadway is closed in the area and Spring Street is also closed between Sweeney and Hurlingame avenues, county officials said.

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Update: Friday 7:05 a.m.

Crews continue to battle a blaze that has escalated to four alarms at a commercial building in Redwood City Friday morning, according to fire officials.
           
Firefighters responded to a blaze at 894 Douglas Ave. at about 5:50 a.m., officials said.
         
FMW Machine Shop is located at that address.
           
Further details were not immediately available.

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Original story: Friday 6:45 a.m.

Fire crews Friday morning are battling a three-alarm blaze in Redwood City this morning, according to a dispatcher.
           
Crews responded to the blaze on Douglas Avenue around 5:50 a.m.
           
Further details were not immediately available.

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Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.


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