Wind-Whipped Blaze Closed Lanes, Chars Two Acres Along I-280

A grass fire alongside Interstate 280 in Palo Alto Monday shut down two lanes of highway traffic and blackened two acres of land, firefighters said.

The fire was reported at 3:14 p.m. by multiple people, and crews quickly contained the blaze despite erratic winds and very dry fuels, according to Palo Alto Fire Battalion Chief Niles Broussard.

The blaze occurred on Hwy 280 between Alpine and Page Mill Road.

Palo Alto’s response included four engine companies, three patrol trucks, a rescue unit, a battalion chief and two police units.

The fire is currently under investigation and no cause has been determined.