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One of 2 women killed in San Rafael fire identified
Authorities have identified a 62-year-old woman who died in a fire that ravaged a San Rafael apartment complex and are trying to ID a second woman who lost her life. Cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - The remains of a second victim were recovered Sunday evening from a San Rafael apartment complex engulfed in flames last week, and officials took time to explain in more detail why they think the fire is suspicious. We have learned both victims are women.
2nd body found
Police Sgt. Justin Graham said the body of the adult found at the rear of the severely damaged complex at 516 Canal St. was recovered, but because of the "state of the remains," no positive identification could immediately be determined.
The remains of a woman were discovered in the complex on Friday, where the building had been more heavily damaged, officials said. That woman has been identified by the Marin County Coroner's Office as 62-year-old Tracey Lee Lowmiller, who died two days before her birthday. The coroner's office is trying to ID the other woman found on Sunday and is trying to determine how they died.
These two people are believed to be those who were initially reported missing, Graham said. The coroner's office said their investigation could take time because of the condition of their remains.
Fire is suspicious
The fire broke out on Aug. 21 at 5:30 a.m., displacing 53 people from the 19-unit complex.
Fire investigators believe the fire may have been intentionally set because of how rapidly it spread. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation.
Graham said it's better to treat the fire scene as suspicious, even though they don't directly have evidence of arson at this point.
"We don't want to be behind the curve," Graham said at a Monday news conference. "These types of investigations take weeks, months, if not a year."
San Rafael Deputy Fire Chief Robert Sinnott said that when crews arrived, the fire was burning from the first floor up and "side to side. That is very unusual," he said.
He noted that firefighters were there quickly and there was plenty of water, as well.
"But when we arrived, the fire was fully involved," he said. "Usually, fires are slower moving."
Sinnott said that the building was last inspected in July and passed all the checks.
In addition to the two victims who died, eight people were injured.
Investigation ongoing
He said emergency crews are focusing on two primary objectives: Continue with recovery operations to make sure no one else died in the fire, and to also investigate the origin and cause.
Graham said that "on behalf of the City of San Rafael and the first responders at the scene of the incident, we express our condolences to the families, friends and neighbors affected by this tragedy."
Seeking video, photos
Police are asking for any witness information, photos, and videos of the fire incident. We are asking anyone with information to call the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000. People can also call the ATF Tip line at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473) or use the Report it.com app or via the web at www.reportit.com.
Police specifically want video and photos that were taken between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 21.
How to help
The Canal Alliance is helping the displaced residents. Cash, gift cards and donations can be dropped off, or made, here.
The Source: KTVU reporting