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San Francisco fire officials tell CPUC autonomous-vehicle firms have impeded emergency response
Summary
Fire Chief Janine Nicholson and Deputy Chief Darius Letrope told the California Public Utilities Commission and the Fire Commission that Cruise and Waymo have at times impeded operations, including an incident where an autonomous vehicle stopped between a fire engine and a car fire; the department described ongoing structured meetings with companies and SFMTA to resolve operational gaps.
Fire Chief Janine Nicholson told the San Francisco Fire Commission on Aug. 9 that the department has raised safety concerns with autonomous-vehicle companies and with the California Public Utilities Commission after vehicles interfered with emergency operations.
"An autonomous vehicle went around the engine and stopped right in between the car fire and the engine," Nicholson said, describing a recent scene near the Legion of Honor where an AV blocked firefighting access and prompted an audible gasp in a public hearing. Nicholson said she and other department leaders…
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