Fire Department Press Release – 1350 Lincoln Ave 02-26-2026

San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE

Abraham Roman, Fire Chief

• Incident Commander: Anthony Alviso, Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: February 26, 2026.
• Location of Incident: 1350 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA.
• Time of Dispatch: 10:34 p.m.
• Type of Incident: Structure fire.
• Occupancy Type: Multi-Family Apartment Complex
• Suspected Fire Cause: Lithium battery.
• Damage Estimate: Not determined at this time.
• Injuries: None.
• Resources Assigned: 2 chief officers, 4 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 paramedic ambulance, & SRPD.

Firefighters were dispatched to a report of a fire inside an apartment at a two-story complex containing 22 living units. Upon arrival, crews found the apartment filled with smoke and confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated.

The fire was determined to have originated from the battery of an e-bike parked in the living room. Fortunately, the occupants were able to remove the bike to the rear patio without injury and before the fire spread to the building or its contents. Fire crews then relocated the bike to the driveway to complete extinguishment operations. Additional personnel used ventilation fans to remove smoke from the apartment. The occupants were later allowed to return to their apartment.

As a precaution, the e-bike was transported to a San Rafael fire station after the battery continued to spark and off-gas, raising concerns about possible re-ignition. This incident occurred while the residents were awake and at home. Had swift action not been taken to remove the bike from the apartment, the outcome could have been significantly more severe.

This marks the second structure fire in San Rafael this month caused by a lithium battery. The incident serves as an important reminder to use lithium-ion battery-powered devices safely. Always charge batteries using the manufacturer-approved charger and avoid leaving devices plugged in unattended or charging overnight. Keep charging devices away from combustible materials and place them on a noncombustible surface with adequate ventilation. 1 If a battery shows signs of damage, overheating, swelling, or emits an unusual odor, discontinue use immediately, move it to a safe area, and when safe to do so, dispose of it properly. Call 911 for immediate assistance. Following these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of a home fire.

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 - 1350 Lincoln Ave 02-26-2026