A small fire that originated in a kitchen trash can spread throughout a unit in the San Rafael Commons senior complex on Fourth Street in San Rafael early Monday morning, causing approximately $10,000 in damage, according to San Rafael Fire officials.
Firefighters were called to the complex at 302 Fourth Street just after 5 a.m. Monday after several 911 calls about fire and smoking coming from a 2nd floor unit in the 83-unit complex, according to Fire Chief Chris Gray. Residents were alerted to the fire by smoke detectors and word spread quickly to neighbors, as firefighters were greeted by residents, who directed crews to the relevant unit.
There were no occupants in the unit when firefighters arrived and they quickly knocked down the blaze, extending a hose line through the complex, Gray said.
The fire is under investigation and appears to have been started by something discarded in the kitchen trash can, Gray said.
Fire crews are working with the manager of the complex to find the resident of the unit, he said. Nineteen San Rafael firefighters were involved in battling the blaze, Gray said. No one was injured.
Gray reminded residents that “Big fires start small.”
"Be careful with what you discard, test your smoke detectors, plan your escape and promptly call 9-1-1 if you see smoke or fire…we are here to help," he added.
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