2 Missing, 8 Injured From Bay Area Apartment Inferno, Dozens Displaced

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A major fire at an apartment complex in San Rafael injured at least eight people and displaced dozens more early Thursday morning.

As of noon, two people remain missing, according to a report by KRON4. No further details on the missing people were released.

“This was a fast-moving fire that displaced dozens of our residents,” said Robert Sinnott, San Rafael Fire Department deputy fire chief . “Our first priority was life safety, and thanks to the swift actions of firefighters, police, and mutual aid partners, we were able to evacuate residents quickly. We are now focused on supporting those impacted and ensuring they have the resources they need.”

At 5:36 a.m., emergency personnel responded to the fire at a three-story, 19 unit apartment complex at 516 Canal St.

At around 6:30 a.m., the San Rafael Police Department sent out an advisory telling people to stay out of the area of the 500 and 600 block of Canal Street, all of Harbor Street, all of Hoag Street, and all of Midway Road as police cleared the roadway for a multi-alarm fire.

Police issued a shelter-in-place advisory for the area.

At 7 a.m., officials said the fire was contained.

Four of the injured residents were transported to the hospital where they were treated for their injuries, police said. One of those resident reportedly jumped from their apartment into the San Rafael Creek and was hospitalized with serious injuries but is now in stable condition, officials said.

“We were getting information that residents were trapped and that they were jumping from the back of the apartment complex into the San Rafael Creek,” said SRPD Sgt. Justin Graham at a news conference, according to KRON4. “Several officers went back and assisted with those people and getting them to safety.”

Officers said about 50 residents were displaced. Officials said the Red Cross is responding to help them and the city has opened the Albert J. Boro Community Center located at 50 Canal Street for displaced residents.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

No firefighters were injured in the response.

The City is working with Canal Alliance to coordinate donations. Officials said monetary donations and gift cards are the most helpful forms and may be dropped off at Canal Alliance at 91 Larkspur St. in San Rafael.