8 injured, dozens displaced in large San Rafael apartment fire

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KRON) — Residents of a San Rafael apartment complex desperately leaped from balconies into a creek to avoid a raging fire that had fully engulfed the building Thursday morning, according to officials.

Emergency crews responded just after 5:30 a.m. to the three-story, 19-unit apartment complex at 516 Canal Street. Two neighboring apartment complexes were evacuated as a precaution as firefighters attacked the intense flames.

The fire was considered contained by 7 a.m., officials said. The American Red Cross is responding to assist at least 50 residents who have been displaced, the San Rafael Police Department told KRON4.

Eight residents were injured in the fire, San Rafael Fire Department Chief Robert Sinnott said at an 8:30 a.m. news conference, with one person hospitalized with serious injuries.

“We were getting information that residents were trapped and that they were jumping from the back of the apartment complex into the San Rafael Creek,” SRPD Sgt. Justin Graham said. “Several officers went back and assisted with those people and getting them to safety.”

The resident who sustained serious injuries is one of the people who jumped from the apartment, officials said.

Craig Ponsford, a neighbor to the affected complex, told KRON4 he heard screaming coming from the fire shortly after 5:30 a.m. before running to help douse the flames.

“Lots of screaming happening,” Ponsford said. “We looked out our window and the whole canal was glowing. People were telling people to jump.”

The city has opened the Albert J. Boro Community Center located at 50 Canal Street for displaced residents. Power was shut off on the 500 and 600 blocks of Canal Street.

The public is asked to avoid the area of Francisco Boulevard East between Harbor Street, Hoag Street, Canal Street and Medway Road. Firefighters remain at the scene to monitor hot spots.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.