Crime & Safety
2nd Body Recovered From 'Suspicious' San Rafael Apartment Complex Fire
As many as 60 residents were displaced by the fire, which police deemed suspicious.
SAN RAFAEL, CA — A second body has been recovered at the site of a devastating fire that occurred at a San Rafael apartment complex this week, police said Sunday night.
Crews working through the severely damaged apartment complex Sunday night discovered a second deceased victim who appears to be an adult, according to police. Due to the state of the remains found, no immediate identification can be made, they said.
The fire broke out at a complex at 516 Canal St. early Thursday morning, leaving eight people injured and two missing at the time. The first person's body was found the next day after the fire was extinguished but had not been identified as of Sunday.
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"At this time, we are not able to confirm that the reported missing persons were those found deceased," said police spokesperson Sgt. Justin Graham in a Sunday night email. "We are continuing to actively work on the two missing persons cases. No additional persons have been reported missing."
As many as 60 residents were displaced by the fire, which police deemed suspicious.
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Members of Marin's Rescue Task Force-1, Marin County's Fire Investigation Team, San Rafael Firefighters, and San Rafael Police continue to work on recovery and investigation efforts.
Police said Sunday that Canal Street between Harbor and Hoag streets will tentatively remain closed until Wednesday, but said the closure could be shorter or longer than that estimate.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call San Rafael police at (415) 485-3000 or an ATF tip line at 1 (888) ATF-FIRE (283-3473). Video footage and images can be shared as tips via the ReportIt smartphone app. Detectives are specifically asking for video and photos that were taken between 5 and 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, the department said.
Donations for those impacted can be made to Canal Alliance, a local nonprofit, by going to https://donate.canalalliance.org/campaign/718853/donate or by visiting their 91 Larkspur St. address in San Rafael.
By Katy St. Clair / Bay City News
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