Fire Engulfs Rental Cars in South San Francisco

A grass fire near a Hertz rental car lot in South San Francisco ignited a three-alarm blaze on Sunday, igniting 45 vehicles and sending toxic smoke into the air.

The fire was reported at Mitchell Avenue and Gateway Boulevard at about 2:50 p.m., fire official said.

No one was hurt, but firefighters evacuated a nearby Motel 6 as a precaution until the smoke cleared, said South San Francisco Battalion Chief Jess Magellanes.

"We weren't too concerned about the gasoline," he said. "We were more concerned about [fumes from)] the plastic and the foam."

Although the fire was contained in 40 minutes, the area was not cleared until about 7 p.m.

Some motel guests reported hearing the sound of firecrackers popping, but the cause of the fire has not been determined, Magellanes said. No one was seen in the area, he said.

The fire took place at a satellite parking lot used by SFO customers. Grasses beneath the vehicles caught fire and the wind pushed the flames from car to car.

Damage is estimated at $500,000 to $1 million.

The investigation will resume Tuesday when the damaged vehicles can be moved.