If you are searching for a San Rafael fire update, this page covers San Rafael, California, in Marin County. As of October 4, 2026, I found no report of an active or major fire there. The page also explains the most recent confirmed fires, the status of the deadly Canal Street fire from 2025, and where to find live updates.
For an emergency or live updates: call 911. The San Rafael Fire Department says its account on X (@SRFD) is not monitored around the clock. Sign up for AlertMarin at emergency.marincounty.gov for county alerts.
Latest Update: October 4, 2026
As of October 4, 2026, my searches of news reports and city and fire department pages found no current wildfire, structure fire, or evacuation in San Rafael. I cannot see live dispatch data, so a small fire could still be happening. San Rafael is also the name of places in Arizona and elsewhere, so check the location of any report you see.
Most Recent Confirmed Fire: June 16, 2026
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a fast-moving fire broke out in a carport area at an apartment complex in San Rafael’s Canal District. The San Rafael Fire Department responded at 2:23 p.m., and crews extinguished it in under 20 minutes, with help from the Central Marin and Southern Marin fire departments. KTVU reported that about 85 residents were initially displaced. Fire officials said the fast response kept the fire from reaching flashover and saved the complex. The fire department said Canal Street was blocked from Harbor Street to Hoag Street during the response.
The Canal Street Fire of August 21, 2025
The deadliest recent fire in San Rafael started at about 5:36 a.m. on August 21, 2025, at 516 Canal Street. It destroyed a 19-unit apartment complex in the Canal District. Two residents died: Tracey Lee Lowmiller, 62, and Pamela Lynn Scoggins, 68, according to the Marin County Coroner’s Office, as reported by the City of San Rafael. Two cats also died.
The cause was classified as suspicious and later determined to be arson. On the one-year anniversary, August 21, 2026, CBS Bay Area reported that no one had been identified as responsible. San Rafael police Sgt. Justin Graham said the Marin County Fire Investigation Team was still waiting for lab results and that no final report had been issued, which he said was not unusual because of backlogs. Anyone with information can call the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000.
Quick Table
| Active major fire in San Rafael, CA (Oct. 4, 2026) | None found |
|---|---|
| Most recent confirmed fire | June 16, 2026, carport fire, Canal District; about 85 displaced; extinguished in under 20 minutes |
| Deadliest recent fire | August 21, 2025, 516 Canal Street; two residents died |
| Cause of 2025 fire | Arson; no suspect identified as of August 21, 2026 |
| Police tip line | 415-485-3000 |
Prescribed Burns
San Rafael sometimes conducts planned vegetation burns to reduce wildfire risk, such as a pile burn on San Rafael Hill. The city says residents may see or smell smoke from these burns and that it is temporary. These are planned and announced, so they are not emergencies. AlertMarin has a “prescribed burns” alert group.
Reader Questions
Is there a fire in San Rafael today?
I found no report of an active major fire in San Rafael, California, as of October 4, 2026. Check the fire department and AlertMarin for live information.
What was the most recent fire in San Rafael?
The most recent confirmed one I found was a carport fire at a Canal District apartment complex on June 16, 2026. It was put out in under 20 minutes.
What caused the 2025 Canal Street fire?
It was determined to be arson. As of August 21, 2026, no one had been identified as responsible.
How many people died in the Canal Street fire?
Two residents died, Tracey Lee Lowmiller and Pamela Lynn Scoggins, plus two cats.
How do I get fire alerts for Marin County?
Sign up for AlertMarin at emergency.marincounty.gov. You can choose alert groups such as prescribed burns.
Who do I call to report a fire?
Call 911. To give information about the 2025 Canal Street fire, call the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000.
Wrap-Up
San Rafael’s fire news in the past year has centered on the Canal District, a dense neighborhood with a lot of affordable housing. The 2026 carport fire ended quickly, but the 2025 arson case remains unsolved.
As of October 4, 2026, no active major fire has been reported in San Rafael, California, and the investigation into the 2025 Canal Street fire is still open.
Disclaimer
This article is based on news reports and city and fire department pages checked on October 4, 2026. It cannot show real-time conditions. For emergencies call 911, and for current information follow the San Rafael Fire Department and AlertMarin.
