Fire Department Press Release – 16 Elaine Way 08-18-2026

San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE

Abraham Roman, Fire Chief

Apartment Kitchen Fire Quickly Extinguished; Family Dog Rescued Unharmed

• Incident Commander: Paul Bernard, Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: August 18, 2026. Time of Dispatch: 1:07 p.m.
• Location of Incident: 16 Elaine Way, San Rafael, CA.
• Type of Incident: Structure fire.
• Occupancy Type: Five-unit two story apartment building.
• Damage Estimate: Not determined at this time.
• Resources Assigned: 3 chief officers, 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 paramedic ambulance, San Rafael Police, & PG&E.

Firefighters responded to a reported residential structure fire and arrived to find the kitchen of an apartment unit on fire. Firefighters confirmed that the occupants had safely evacuated the apartment; however, the family dog was inadvertently left inside as the occupants quickly fled the home. Firefighters immediately located and rescued the dog, which was unharmed, and reunited the grateful pup with its owners.

The fire was quickly brought under control. Crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the kitchen, protecting the remainder of the living unit as well as the neighboring apartments. However, the kitchen sustained substantial damage.
Although the fire damage was confined to the kitchen, the remainder of the apartment was heavily affected by thick smoke, rendering the unit temporarily uninhabitable. The American Red Cross was summoned to assist the four displaced occupants and provided them with temporary lodging assistance and other immediate needs.

The fire investigation determined that the fire originated on the stove and subsequently spread to other areas of the kitchen.

Fortunately, the occupants escaped safely, and the family dog was rescued without injury.

The incident serves as an important reminder that when a fire occurs, occupants should evacuate immediately and never re-enter a burning structure to retrieve pets or personal belongings. Firefighters are equipped and trained to conduct searches and rescue animals whenever conditions allow.

PIO Contact:

Robert Sinnott, Deputy Fire Chief-Deputy Fire Marshal

415-485-5067 (desk)

[email protected]

Fire Department Press Release - 16 Elaine Way 08-18-26