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San Rafael chief details Valencia Street fire, fall‑prevention push and regional training
Summary
The commission heard that an April 12 Valencia Street multi‑family fire was contained to the laundry/storage room with no injuries; department leaders emphasized that falls are the single largest call type and described regional training and upcoming memorial observations.
At the May 13 San Rafael Fire Commission meeting, the chief's report summarized recent incidents, prevention priorities and regional training work.
Chief Serna reported on an April 12 fire on Valencia Street that began in a ground‑floor laundry/storage area; the department contained the blaze to the room of origin, reported no injuries and said several tenants were displaced while repairs were completed. The cause remains under investigation, with officials describing a possible dryer malfunction.
The report also highlighted fall prevention as a department priority. Chief Serna and staff said PulsePoint data show falls are the top call type the department responds to, often involving elderly residents or mobility hazards in the home. EMS Battalion Chief Hatfield is leading efforts to create or revive fall‑prevention programs intended to reduce these frequent medical calls.
Training and community engagement: Training Captain Jimmy Alvarez organized a regional exercise April 15–16 that brought Bay Area firefighters to San Rafael for classroom and operational drills. The department also participated in a city barbecue on April 29 and recognized the Fire Foundation's proclamation at City Council.
Remembrance: The commission was told the annual Mar Vista Motors remembrance will be observed May 21 to honor the 1950 victims Aubrey Miller and Glenn Bottini; the department also noted participation in the National Firefighters Memorial event in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
What's next: Staff and commissioners discussed categorization of PulsePoint alerts and clarified that public and staff views may show different levels of detail; staff said they will continue prevention outreach and training coordination with regional partners.
