Southern Marin Fire responded to a report of a Structure Fire in the area of Joesphine Street in Sausalito (CA). Sausalito Engine 1 was first to arrive at the scene, upon arrival crews encountered significant fire conditions to the rear of the Apartment Building. The apartment building sits on a step hillside with a livable unit and a built-out unit below the street level, and one unit at street level (3-Story Hillside Building). The fire originated in the unit, two levels below street level. Crews made access and quickly extinguished the fire while other firefighting resources simultaneously searched the apartment building for trapped victims.

Crews were able to get “water on the fire” at 9:15 am (22 minutes after the arrival of the first fire resource) and at 9:34 am, the fire was declared knocked down (41 minutes after the first arriving resource). Crews encountered difficult access and a steep hillside while making their way to the main fire area.

A total of two (2) alarms were called for this fire, resulting in 15 Fire Apparatus and 30 firefighters. Fire Agencies assisting the Southern Marin Fire District: Marin County Fire, Central Marin Fire, Tiburon Fire, San Rafael Fire, and Kentfield Fire. There were no injuries, but residents have been displaced. The Fire District is working with the American Red Cross to assist them with their needs.

The incident remains under investigation with investigators currently at the scene. As of this report, it is believed that the fire may have been accidental in nature.