Vallejo senior apartments damaged in accidental fire

A fire at the Marina Tower Annex, a senior apartment complex in Vallejo, caused damage early Sunday morning, displacing multiple residents and prompting a three-alarm response.

Accidental blaze displaces seniors

The blaze, reported around 6 a.m. at 575 Sacramento Street, sent plumes of smoke billowing from the third floor of the three-story building. Firefighters battled the fire with mutual aid from neighboring departments including American Canyon, Benicia, Crockett, and Fairfield.

At least 12 residents were assessed for smoke inhalation or minor injuries at the scene. One resident was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The John Stewart Company, the building's manager, confirmed the Marina Tower Annex houses 57 one-bedroom apartments for seniors, having opened in 1978.

While automatic sprinklers helped contain the fire, the resulting water damage affected units below the fire's origin. Fire officials have determined the cause to be accidental, stemming from an unattended candle. Multiple residents are currently displaced due to the fire, smoke, and water damage.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of senior living facilities and the ever-present risk of fire, even with safety measures in place. The rapid response of multiple fire departments prevented a larger catastrophe, but the disruption to the lives of the residents is undeniable.