San Rafael Fire Department – PRESS RELEASE
Abraham Roman, Fire Chief
Aggressive Response by San Rafael Firefighters Saves
Adjacent Living Units in Apartment Building Blaze!
• Incident Commander: Paul Bernard, Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: Saturday, May 31, 2025
• Time of Dispatch: 12:23 p.m.
• Type of Incident: Structure fire.
• Location of Incident: 81 Woodland Ave, San Rafael.
• Occupancy Type: Twelve unit, two story wood famed apartment complex.
• Duration of Incident: 3 hours.
• Fire Cause: Under investigation.
• Damage Estimate: Unknown currently.
• Injuries: None.
• Units/Resources Assigned: One deputy chief, three battalion chiefs, five engines, two ladder trucks, one fire-paramedic ambulance, one fire inspector/investigator, San Rafael Police, San Rafael Parking Services (for traffic control), PG&E, and the American Red Cross.
INCIDENT SUMMARY
Upon receiving multiple 911 calls, firefighters responded swiftly to an apartment fire and arrived to find a second-floor unit fully engulfed in flames. Crews immediately confirmed that all occupants were accounted for and then launched an aggressive interior attack to suppress the fire. Besides the other living units that were immediately threatened, a large 31-unit apartment building next door was at risk if the fire were to grow.
In addition to a full response from San Rafael, battalion chiefs from Ross Valley and Central Marin Fire agencies were summoned to assist with incident management. Also, an additional ladder truck from the Kentfield Fire District responded.
Recognizing the risk to adjacent and lower-level units, firefighters worked rapidly to contain the blaze and prevent its spread. Their decisive actions successfully confined the fire to the unit of origin, despite the apartment being fully involved upon arrival.
Thanks to the quick and coordinated response, the fire was brought under control within just 15 minutes. While extinguishment efforts were underway, additional fire crews focused on protecting surrounding units from fire, smoke, and water damage.
While one family has been temporarily displaced, remarkably all other units can be reoccupied. The American Red Cross is providing assistance and support services to those who occupy the fire damaged unit. San Rafael fire investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the fire.
