Deceased victim found in San Rafael apartment complex that burned in ‘suspicious’ fire

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KRON) — A deceased victim has been found on the backside of a San Rafael apartment complex that was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning. The cause of the rapid-spreading fire that destroyed a 19-unit apartment complex in San Rafael’s Canal District on Thursday has been deemed “suspicious,” officials said in an earlier update on Friday.

The San Rafael Police Department do not yet know the identity of the deceased victim located. Nor do they know if the deceased victim was one of the two people reported missing in the blaze.

Officials are asking any member of the public who may have video of the incident between 5:30 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. Thursday to come forward and submit their video or photos.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Marin County Fire Investigation Team joined the fire investigation as San Rafael Fire Chief Robert Sinnott said the cause of the fire has gone from “unknown” to “suspicious.” Authorities said the suspicions come from the way the complex burned and how fast it burned.

Calls to 911 began pouring in to police at 5:36 a.m., reporting the apartment complex fire at 516 Canal Street. The San Rafael Fire Department arrived at a three-story building that was already fully involved in fire, Sinnott said. People were reported to be jumping from the balconies at the rear of the complex into the San Rafael Creek.

The fire came under control within 90 minutes, according to Sinnott. Eight residents were injured in the fire, with four people hospitalized. One person who sustained serious injuries was later listed in stable condition. One officer was also minorly injured during a rescue operation and is recovering, officials said Friday.

As the flames were doused and 55 people were displaced from their homes, officials learned of two adults who were unaccounted for. At a news conference just before noon on Friday, authorities said the two people have still not been located.

San Rafael Police Department Sgt. Justin Graham said that authorities are determining what happened to the missing adults and where they are. Cadaver dogs, as well as dogs that can detect accelerants, are being used to search the premises of the complex on Friday as the investigation into the fire continues into its second day.

Graham urged the community to assist in the investigation by providing the ATF with videos, photographs, or accounts of how or when the fire started. Anyone with information can call the ATF tip line at 1-888-ATF-FIRE. Those with media to share can submit photos and videos using the Report It app for iOS or Android or on the Report It website.

The City of San Rafael said it is working with Canal Alliance to coordinate donations to residents who have lost all possessions in the fire.

“Monetary donations and gift cards are the most helpful forms of support at this time,” the city said Thursday. “Physical gift cards and cash donations may be dropped off at Canal Alliance at 91 Larkspur St. in San Rafael.” Officials are advising against donating physical items at this time.

Officials will hold a second news conference to deliver updates later Friday afternoon.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.