San Rafael fire: 2 still missing after massive fire rips through apartment building displacing 55

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) — Two people are still missing, and more than 50 people can’t go home because of a massive fire that ripped through a San Rafael apartment complex on Thursday.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

In an update Friday, officials said they are investigating the fire as suspicious based on the nature of the fire, how fast it burned and how many people were displaced.

The fire broke out early Thursday morning in the city’s Canal District.

By 5:30 a.m., the 19-unit waterfront apartment house was fully engulfed. Building manager Martin Hanson woke to the sound of people running down the stairs.

“I thought it was a fight going on. I looked out and saw flames. Through on my shirt and shorts, grabbed cash, and headed out. I was on the water side, so a lot of people had to jump into the water.”

The San Rafael Fire Department says eight people were injured trying to escape the fire. One firefighter was also treated for minor injuries.

The two people missing are said to be adults, not juveniles but no names were released at this time.

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“They jumped and probably landed on the ground behind the building and were rescued and brought to the front of the building and treated and transported as needed,” said Deputy Chief Robert Sinnott from San Rafael Fire Department.

Fire officials say the building was inspected in July of 2025 and passed inspection.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials are asking the public with any information to call 1-888-283-3473. Surveillance video can be reported here.