A devastating fire tore through an apartment building on Canal Street in San Rafael early Thursday morning, leaving eight people injured, two still unaccounted for, and at least 58 residents displaced. The blaze broke out just after 5:30 am near Highway 101 and San Rafael Creek, forcing some residents to jump into the canal to escape the flames.
Among the injured, one person suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries after leaping into the water. Two others were hospitalized with non-serious injuries, while several others were treated at the scene. Apartment buildings on either side were evacuated as crews battled the flames from both land and water, with the San Rafael Fire Boat assisting from the canal.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions and popping noises as the fire spread. Officials explained that sounds like this often occur when electrical lines fail.
While everyone is now accounted for, the Red Cross is assisting the dozens of displaced residents as officials continue their investigation into what sparked the fire.
If you or a loved one was affected by this fire, Call Singleton Schreiber today to discuss your legal options and get the support you deserve.
The Dangers of Apartment Fires
Apartment fires are particularly devastating because of how quickly they can spread and how many people they impact at once. In this case, some residents were forced to jump into a nearby canal just to escape. Tragically, this is not uncommon in multi-unit structures where exits may become blocked or smoke spreads rapidly.
Several residents reported hearing popping noises, which fire officials say are likely linked to the failure of electrical lines. Electrical malfunctions, including power line failures, are a common cause of apartment fires. However, they are not the only possible source. Fires like this can also be caused by:
- Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits
- Kitchen or cooking accidents
- Space heaters or malfunctioning appliances
- Smoking or unattended candles
- Arson or intentional acts
The exact cause of the San Rafael fire remains under investigation, but the incident highlights the importance of strong fire safety systems in apartment buildings.
Legal Options for Victims of Apartment Fires
For the dozens of families now without a home, and for those who suffered injuries, the road to recovery will be long. Victims of apartment fires may have the right to pursue legal claims to help cover:
- Medical expenses for injuries, including hospital stays and ongoing treatment
- Property damage and loss of personal belongings
- Temporary housing costs while displaced
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
Chris Rodriguez, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, noted, “An apartment fire of this scale leaves entire families without homes and forces survivors to make split-second decisions just to stay alive. While the cause is still under investigation, the impact on this community is clear: people have lost more than just their belongings– they’ve lost their sense of safety.”
If you were displaced, injured, or otherwise affected by the San Rafael apartment fire, you do not have to go through this alone. Contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
