San Rafael Firefighters Douse Car Fire, Ignite Smiles Among Neighborhood Children

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Firefighters quickly doused a vehicle fire Monday in the Canal area of San Rafael, while also taking time to interact with the neighborhood children.

An engine malfunction caused the fire, which was reported at 6:33 p.m. at 397 Bahia Lane, according to San Rafael fire Chief Christopher Gray.

The fire was brought under control within five minutes, he said.

"[The] quick call to 911 by residents and rapid response and action by firefighters prevented the fire from involving the adjacent apartment building," Gray told Patch.

As fire engines roared to the rescue, it appeared to draw excitement from the neighborhood children. A photographer for the fire department snapped photos of at least one San Rafael firefighter engaging with the youth as they curiously crowded around him.

"While emergency response is very serious business, firefighters rarely miss the opportunity to interact with our residents to increase familiarity with the many ways we help the community and to provide fire safety education," said the chief.

Photos via Larry Luckham, San Rafael Fire Department