San Diego

Film Crew's Smoke Machine Prompts Reports of ‘Fire' Off State Route 52 in University City

Smoke from the film crew's machine was visible to commuters off eastbound SR-52 at Genesee Avenue Wednesday morning, prompting concerned calls to the fire department

A film crew using a smoke machine while working in a canyon off State Route 52 prompted concerned commuters to call 911 to report a possible fire off the freeway.

There was, however, no fire, city public information officer Jose Ysea confirmed.

The film crew’s machine caused smoke to billow just before 7:10 a.m. off eastbound SR-52 at Genesee Avenue in University City.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) was initially called to the area to investigate a possible brush fire.

Once the film crew was discovered in the canyon – and the group’s smoke machine – the firefighter response was canceled.

No one was hurt.

Contact Us