Residents of a 74-unit apartment complex in San Rafael faced an unexpected disruption after a fire broke out yesterday. The incident, which may have been caused by a kitchen appliance, occurred at 240 Canal St. and was dispatched at 11:58 AM. No injuries were reported, but the fire resulted in significant property damage, according to a press release from the San Rafael Fire Department.
Alerted by the sound of a smoke detector and upon seeing thick black smoke, a neighbor's quick thinking helped in the swift response by firefighters. They were able to confine the blaze to the kitchen area of one second-floor apartment, bringing the fire under control in about 10 minutes. The San Rafael Police Department assisted in evacuating people, ensuring everyone was out of harm's way. As per the firefighters' confirmation, thankfully, no occupants were trapped or injured in the incident.
Following the containment of the fire, efforts shifted towards salvage and overhaul to protect residents' personal effects and minimize damage to their homes. By around 2:00 PM, residents, except for those from the affected unit, could return to their apartments. The unit where the fire started was declared uninhabitable. Damage estimates were not available at the time of the report, but the aforementioned press release detailed the resources assigned, including fire investigators and personnel from various departments, such as SRPD and PG&E, as well as support from the American Red Cross.
