Fire Department Press Release – 55 Larkspur St. 03-18-2026

San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE

Abraham Roman, Fire Chief

• Incident Commander: Anthony Alviso, Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: March 18, 2026.
• Location of Incident: 55 Larkspur St, San Rafael, CA.
• Time of Dispatch: 3:27 p.m.
• Type of Incident: Structure fire.
• Occupancy Type: Single story commercial building - 8,612 square feet.
• Suspected Fire Cause: Under investigation.
• Damage Estimate: Not determined at this time.
• Injuries: One minor.
• Resources Assigned: Second Alarm - 4 chief officers, 5 engines, 3 ladder trucks, 2 paramedic ambulances, San Rafael Police, San Rafael Parking Services, the Marin County Fire Investigation Team, and PG&E.

The fire occurred in a single-story masonry commercial building housing four separate businesses. The fire originated in the street-facing unit, where firefighters arrived to find the front portion of the building fully involved. It was quickly determined that one occupant was inside at the time the fire began. The individual was able to quickly exit the building but suffered minor burns.

Firefighters deployed large volumes of water using a tactic known as a defensive strategy and successfully confined the fire to the front portion of the building.

The affected unit is occupied by a construction firm and includes office space, a garage, storage area, and workshop. Minor damage was reported in the adjacent business; however, crews worked aggressively to prevent further extension beyond the front unit
The fire was declared under control at 4:45 p.m. Fire crews then initiated property conservation, & salvage operations with the objectives to stabilize the structure, safeguard property, and assist in the resumption of business operations for the other tenants.

Representatives of the Marin County Fire Investigation Team also commenced with investigation efforts.

The injured occupant was treated by Fire Department paramedics but was not transported. In addition to our mutual aid partners, we would like to thank the San Rafael Police Department and San Rafael Parking Services Division for their outstanding work in managing traffic and crowd control in this highly congested area.

Immediate, efficient, and highly coordinated mutual was provided by the Novato Fire District, the Marinwood Fire Department, the Ross Valley Fire Department, the Kentfield Fire District, the Central Marin Fire Department, and the Southern Marin Fire District. We are grateful for these partnerships!

Contact:

Deputy Fire - Chief Robert Sinnott, [email protected]
415-485-5067 office, 415-261-7333 cell
For press release details, visit: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/srfdpress/

Press Release - 55 Larkspur St. 03-18-2026