Update (2) - Strange odor may persist. No health issues at this time per air quality control. 
UPDATE (2): The Shelter-In-Place advisory by Redwood City Fire was only a recommendation to shelter. There are no public health issues per environmental health air quality control.
UPDATE: The Redwood City Fire Department has officially lifted its Shelter-In-Place advisory. However, if you continue to smell smoke and or burning plastic, it is still advisable to avoid exposure by staying indoors.
Original message:
The strange odor you detect outside comes from a two alarm fire at a metal facility in Redwood City. If you smell smoke, it is advisable to stay inside with your doors and windows closed to avoid exposure. Currently, the smoke from the fire is moving in a southerly direction, which is towards Sunnyvale.
REDWOOD CITY POLICE ALERT: Two Alarm Fire at SIMMS Metal. Seaport Blvd is currently CLOSED to eastbound traffic.
Traffic conditions are being evaluated on an ongoing basis. There is NO ACCESS at this time. The Redwood City Fire Department in coordination with SIMMS Metal is actively working the fire.
There is no estimate at this time of when the fire will be extinguished. Fire personnel are expected to be on scene for several hours. WE will provide updates as information is available.
http://nixle.com/city/ca/redwood-city/
Contact Fire Marshal Jim Palisi 650-740-0827 for press information.
Address/Location
Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety
700 All America Way
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 408-730-7100