On the morning of Thursday, August 21st, the San Rafael Fire Department (SRFD) responded to a structure fire at an apartment complex located at 516 Canal Street. Crews from three nearby San Rafael fire stations arrived within minutes and immediately began rescues while working to contain the blaze. The fire was brought under control in approximately 90 minutes with the assistance of every SRFD unit, including the fire boat, and mutual aid from nearly every fire agency in Marin County. The San Rafael Police Department and other local law enforcement partners were instrumental in assisting with evacuations. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and has been deemed suspicious by investigators.
San Rafael is deeply saddened to confirm the tragic loss of two residents, who were initially reported missing after the fire broke out. The Marin County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as Tracey Lee Lowmiller (62) and Pamela Lynn Scoggins (68), both of whom lived at 516 Canal Street. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and neighbors as they grieve this devastating loss.
In the fire’s aftermath, the City set up a temporary shelter for over 50 displaced survivors at the Albert J. Boro Community Center. City staff and numerous community partners provided meals, clean clothes, medications, and other resources. By the evening of Friday, August 22, all displaced residents were offered temporary shelter in hotels and the shelter closed.
The City continues to work closely with Canal Alliance and other partners to coordinate donations and provide support for the displaced families and individuals who are currently residing in interim housing.
In response to public inquiry about the City’s latest fire safety inspection of this building, the 516 Canal St. apartment complex received its most recent inspection in July 2025. All apartment buildings in San Rafael receive annual fire safety inspections, which are conducted in public and exterior spaces of the building — such as utility rooms, corridors, and exit ways — and not within individual units. Individual inspections are part of the separate Code Enforcement Division’s inspection program, which is a robust inspection that occurs for every apartment building in San Rafael on a five-year cycle. It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain individual units’ smoke detectors, and the functionality of these detectors are assessed during this periodic Code Enforcement inspection.
Ongoing Investigation and Tip Line
The San Rafael Police Department is continuing to investigate the origin and cause of the fire and will provide updates as they are available. If you have any information about the fire, please call the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000.
SRPD is specifically requesting video and photos taken between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. This information can be provided directly to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, who is assisting with the investigation. Provide information through the following:
- ATF Tip Line: 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473)
- Upload photos and videos of the incident through the “Report it.com” app or via the web at www.reportit.com
How You Can Help Displaced Residents
Monetary donations are requested to support survivors of the fire, and donations are being collected through Canal Alliance’s Client Support Fund and the Marin Community Foundation’s Emergency Fund.
- The Client Support Fund allows Canal Alliance to step in quickly during emergencies such as this one — to help cover urgent needs such as temporary shelter, food, clothing, medical care, and other essentials. More information and the link to donate can be found here: https://donate.canalalliance.org/campaign/718853/donate
- The Marin Community Foundation has launched the Canal Residents Emergency Fund to direct donations to organizations directly providing urgent support. 100% of donations will be directed towards providing shelter, clothing, food and other essential items. More information and the link to donate can be found here: https://donationcenter.marincf.org/fund/57
- Gift cards or cash contributions are also being accepted at Canal Alliance’s neighborhood location at 91 Larkspur Street, San Rafael during business hours (Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm). We request no material or food contributions at this time.
Next Phase of Support
City staff are working with service organizations to address the ongoing needs of displaced residents, especially those needs related to food, health, counseling, permanent housing, transportation, and school.
Canal Alliance’s staff are helping families secure new identification documents and passports as a necessary first step to securing permanent housing. They are also supporting immigration needs and working with other groups to provide regular meal service and available compensation for their losses.
On behalf of the City of San Rafael, we wish to thank the community for the outpouring of support for those affected by the fire, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and neighbors of the two victims who passed away.