A grass fire north of Sacramento International Airport on Friday burned several acres and forced air traffic controllers to adjust arrival and departure patterns at SMF. Smoke pushed over the levee near Garden Highway as crews moved in to contain the blaze, and travelers reported delays while planes were routed around the smoke. Airport and fire officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries.
According to KCRA, the Sacramento Fire Department said the fire started near the intersection of West Elverta Road and Garden Highway and burned roughly 5 to 6 acres. The department described the fire's spread as moderate, and multiple engine companies were sent to the area, the outlet reported.
In a statement to KCRA, Sacramento International Airport said takeoffs and landings were shifted to the eastside ramps while crews kept an eye on conditions. The airport added that ground operations continued, but some flights were delayed or rerouted as controllers modified flight paths around the smoke.
What travelers should know
Passengers scheduled to fly through SMF are being urged to check directly with their airline for the latest flight status and to allow extra time at the airport in case delays ripple through the schedule. Local closures on West Elverta Road or Garden Highway are common while firefighters are on scene, so drivers should expect possible ground access disruptions near the north edge of the airport.
Why this stretch keeps burning
The levee corridor along Garden Highway and West Elverta has been a repeat trouble spot for dry grass fires in recent years, according to local reporting. Coverage of repeated grass fires in this corridor has highlighted how these blazes can complicate firefighting and transportation in north Sacramento.
Response and next steps
Fire crews worked to knock down hot spots and keep the flames away from airport infrastructure while mutual aid units supported suppression efforts. Officials said they would keep monitoring the area into the evening and planned to post updates through airport and local channels for travelers.
