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Operations report: high-rise third-alarm fire, solar-panel hazards and EMS support for nursing facility
Summary
Operations leadership described a complex third-alarm Davis Court high-rise fire that required stair access to the Eleventh Floor, highlighted training and hazards tied to rooftop photovoltaic systems and large battery banks, and described EMS'led stabilization at a nursing facility for 13 hours when staff were unavailable.
The Fire Department's operations report reviewed two months of incidents and training and named specific events that illustrated operational strain and adaptation.
Chief Rubenstein summarized recent activity, including nearly 2,000 building alarms and more than 40 fires in the reporting period. He described a third-alarm high-rise fire on Davis Court that began on the Eleventh Floor and required crews to climb stairs and operate without reliable elevators. "In buildings like this, we cannot use the elevator," Rubenstein said, and credited on-scene command and crews for containing spread and preventing the fire from moving into upper floors.
Rubenstein and training staff also highlighted photovoltaic (solar) systems and large battery banks as emerging hazards. The presentation described new rooftop systems and battery storage as areas where firefighters need special training and operational adjustments; the department noted manufacturers provide training materials and that responders can be trained to ventilate and create safe pathways across newer roof systems.
On EMS operations, Assistant Chief Tong reported that EMS and an RC unit supported a skilled nursing facility on Nineteenth Avenue for 13 hours after staffing shortages left the facility unable to provide care. "We were able to send RC 3 Kevin Choker over there who did a great job of assessing what was happening, triaging...and the patient needs," Tong said.
Other operational concerns commissioners discussed included an increase in garbage-truck fires caused by damaged lithium batteries and incidents involving cliff and surf rescues. Commissioners praised the department's rescue and EMS teams and asked for follow-up briefings on prevention and on inspection needs tied to shared spaces used for outdoor dining.
Next steps: The department will continue training for photovoltaic and battery hazards, monitor station maintenance needs tied to capital planning, and report back with additional detail on specific bureaus (prevention, airport) as requested by commissioners.
