Fire Department Press Release – 637 Mission Ave. 03-30-2026

San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE

Abraham Roman, Fire Chief

• Incident Commander: Justin Barrow, Acting Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: March 30, 2026.
• Location of Incident: 637 Mission Ave., San Rafael, CA.
• Time of Dispatch: 2:09 AM
• Type of Incident: Structure fire.
• Occupancy Type: Single story residential building
• Suspected Fire Cause: Under investigation.
• Damage Estimate: Not determined at this time.
• Injuries: None.
• Resources Assigned: Second Alarm - 4 chief officers, 7 engines, 1 ladder truck, 2 paramedic
ambulances, San Rafael Police, the Marin County Fire Investigation Team, PG&E, Marin
Humane Society and Red Cross.

This morning, firefighters were dispatched to a working structure fire with a report that occupants were still inside. First-arriving crews found a well-involved fire at a single-story duplex. They quickly initiated an aggressive fire attack within the structure, while searching for occupants.

Prior to the arrival of first responders, a local security guard posted nearby had heard calls for help. He entered the unit from a back door and assisted two female occupants out of the building. They were assessed by firefighter/paramedics and remained at the scene.

The fire was declared under control at 02:39 am. Firefighters successfully confined the fire to the front of one unit of the building, working to prevent further extension to the adjacent unit, which was vacant. Crews conducted overhaul to ensure the fire was fully out and initiated salvage operations to limit further property damage.

The Incident Commander organized Red Cross representatives to assist the two tenants with alternative housing, as the involved unit suffered major damage. Additionally, Marin Humane Society was requested to the scene to assist with the care of the tenants' cats, who were also uninjured.

Representatives of the Marin County Fire Investigation Team arrived at the scene to assist with investigation efforts. San Rafael Police Officers helped manage traffic and crowd control around the scene. PG&E technicians arrived to ensure utilities to the structure were secured.

We are grateful for the immediate and well-coordinated response of our mutual aid partners from the Central Marin Fire Department, Ross Valley Fire Department and Marinwood Fire District. We would also like to recognize the selfless and brave actions of the security guard who helped bring the occupants out of the burning building to a safe location. We are proud to serve this amazing community.

Contact: Battalion Chief Anthony Alviso

Cell: 415-680-6818, [email protected]

For press release details, visit: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/srfdpress/

Press Release - 637 Mission Ave 03-30-2026