4600 El Camino Real Incident Update #5

Los Altos, Calif. — February 2, 2024 — On Monday, December 25, 2023, at approximately 4:50 AM, Santa Clara County Fire Department (County Fire) responded to reports of smoke coming from a commercial structure located at 4600 El Camino Real in Los Altos. Following a 3-alarm fire response, consisting of approximately 60 first responders, the fire was declared under control at 1:53 PM. The building was declared a complete loss and at risk of collapsing, leading the city of Los Altos Building Division to close a portion of eastbound El Camino Real between San Antonio Road and Sherwood Avenue. 

Fire investigators immediately began work to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Although this remains an active investigation, the investigative work onsite concluded on Tuesday, January 30. On this date, County Fire released the site to the building owners, property managers, and the city of Los Altos to conclude the demolition process. 

The debris removal began on Thursday, February 1, with shoring to follow, marking the final stages of the demolition process. This phase will continue over the next two weeks and requires the current road closure to remain in place. 

Inquiries regarding the fire investigation should be directed to the County Fire Public Information Officer Matt Mokhtarian. 

Inquiries regarding the building demolition and road closure should be directed to the city of Los Altos Public Information Officer Sonia Lee.