2 Missing, 8 Critically Injured After Fire Destroys San Rafael Apartment Building

Updated 2:40 p.m. Thursday

Two people are missing and dozens displaced after a multi-alarm fire engulfed an apartment building in San Rafael on Thursday morning.

The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. at a three-story apartment complex at 516 Canal St. along the San Rafael River, according to San Rafael Administrative Fire Chief Robert Sinnott.

First responders found the building “nearly fully involved” in fire, “with residents fleeing — some jumping out of windows or upper story balconies” to escape, Sinnott said at a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Eight residents were critically injured and taken to hospitals, including at least one person who was seriously injured while trying to jump from the building into the river below.

Two of around 55 residents are missing, and police are working to find them, said San Rafael Police Sgt. Justin Graham.

Officials weren’t sure if the two missing residents were home when the fire broke out, and they encouraged all residents to come forward and contact local police or fire as soon as possible.

The 19-unit, wood-frame complex passed an annual fire inspection in July 2025. The Marin County Fire Investigation team had been on the site for several hours, Sinnott said, and have not yet determined what caused the fire.

City officials have asked residents affected by the fire to head to the Albert J. Boro Community Center at 50 Canal St. for more information and resources.

Officials are asking everyone to stay away from the area so emergency crews can respond safely.