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Propane Barbecue Blamed for Six-Alarm Fire at Foster City Condo

The preliminary finding hands the homeowners association control of the red‑tagged site pending structural and recovery decisions.

Overview

  • A six-alarm fire on Sunday heavily damaged the 51-unit Spinnaker Cove complex at 815 Sea Spray Lane and forced more than 150 people from their homes.
  • San Mateo fire investigators completed a preliminary probe and said a propane barbecue on a first-floor exterior deck started the blaze but did not identify any person as responsible.
  • Officials have fenced off and red-tagged the building because of severe damage and a real danger of collapse, and firefighters continue periodic checks to extinguish hotspots.
  • The complex reportedly lacked fire sprinklers because it was built before a sprinkler ordinance, and four firefighters suffered minor injuries while no residents were reported hurt.
  • The American Red Cross and the Foster City Chamber of Commerce are coordinating relief for displaced residents as the homeowners association takes control and begins insurance, structural and recovery work.