San Rafael apartment fire leaves 2 missing, 8 injured

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Two people remain missing, and eight others were injured after flames tore through an apartment complex in San Rafael early Thursday, prompting a massive emergency response and leaving dozens without an immediate place to live. 

Residents jump from windows, balconies to escape

What we know:

Authorities said the fire started around 5:36 a.m. at a three-story complex in the 500 block of Canal Street along San Rafael Creek. The building has 19 units and houses at least 55 residents.

San Rafael Fire Chief Robert Sinnott said the structure was nearly fully engulfed when crews arrived.

Some residents jumped from windows and upper-level balconies to escape.

Martin Hanson has lived in that apartment for 25 years.

"I woke up," he said. "People were running up and down the stairs. I thought there was a fight going on. I looked outside. I could see the flames and embers coming down. I put on my shorts and sandals, grabbed some cash and headed out."

Melsir DeLeon, a neighbor who lives nextdoor said he heard cries for help and brought a ladder to rescue people. 

"They're screaming for help," DeLeon said. "They tried to jump. I said 'wait, it's not normal to jump.' I ran in back and have an extension ladder there, and I put an extension ladder. We bring like six people down."

Isaias Pacheco shared video of the flames and said he also lives nearby and heard calls for help.

He said in Spanish, "I saw two ladies screaming for help, and I told them to hang on for a little bit. Then I found a mattress on the floor, I took it with me, then we got a latter and we were able to save one and then the other."
 

Two residents missing

What they're saying:

Sinnott said two people are still unaccounted for, though it is unclear if they were even home at the time of the fire.

"We are making every effort to try to locate them," Police Sgt. Justin Graham said. "If they’re listening to this broadcast and you haven’t checked in with family or us, please contact either the San Rafael Police Department or the Central Fire Department to let us know that you’re okay."

One person suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized in stable condition, officials said. Three others sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized but later released. The other victims were treated at the scene.

Firefighters took about an hour to get the blaze under control.

The complex passed its most recent annual fire inspection in July, Sinnott said.

Investigators have not yet determined the cause or origin of the fire but said preliminary work is underway.

Crews plan to continue searching the site for the two missing people. By late Thursday afternoon, officials said they had inspected about 10% of the structure, but there were still hot spots and they needed to bring in extra equipment to ensure the inspections could be done safely and with proper care. 

Part of Canal Street will remain closed through Monday, police said.

How the community can help

What's next:

The American Red Cross was on scene to help those displaced, including many Spanish-speaking personnel. Both the police and fire departments have bilingual speakers. 

Dozens of people were standing on the street Thursday morning, trying to figure out what to do and where to go. 

San Rafael Fire Department Director of Emergency Services Quinn Gardner said a shelter for displaced residents has been set up at the Boro Community Center at 50 Canal Street. Quinn asked community members to refrain from dropping off donations, but rather gift cards for the victims to get what they need. Or, people can donate to the Canal Alliance.