Fire Department Press Release – 1040 Cresta Way 10-06-2026

San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE

Abraham Roman, Fire Chief

Fire Sprinkler System Extinguishes Apartment Kitchen Fire

• Incident Commander: Anthony Alviso, Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: October 06, 2026.
• Time of Dispatch: 1:11 p.m.
• Location of Incident: 1040 Cresta Way.
• Type of Incident: Structure Fire.
• Occupancy: Multi-tenant apartment complex.
• Damage Estimate: Under $1,000
• Resources Assigned: 2 chief officers, 4 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 paramedic ambulance, Rafael Fire drone Big Mac, SRPD, and 1 fire investigator.

San Rafael firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at an apartment complex on Cresta Way. Firefighters arrived to find that a fire in the kitchen of an apartment had already been extinguished by the building's fire sprinkler system.
The fire originated when cooking oil ignited on the stove. The tenant sustained a minor burn while attempting to remove the pan from the stove. No other injuries were reported.

The fire sprinkler system quickly contained and extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived, significantly limiting the damage. The apartment sustained very minor damage, primarily from smoke and water. There was no structural damage, and the kitchen appliances and cabinetry were not damaged.

The tenant was treated by paramedics and was able to reoccupy the apartment. Building maintenance staff worked quickly to clean the apartment and restore the fire sprinkler system to operation.

This incident is another example of the critical role residential fire sprinkler systems play in protecting lives and property. A single sprinkler activated and extinguished the fire before it could spread beyond the kitchen, preventing what could have been a much more serious fire.

PIO Contact:

Robert Sinnott, Deputy Fire Chief-Deputy Fire Marshal

415-485-5067 (desk)

[email protected]

Fire Department Press Release - 1040 Cresta Way 10-06-2026