SFFD details six greater alarms in July, recounts fast-moving fifth-alarm fire

Deputy Chief of Operations Victor Wersch briefed the Fire Commission on July operational activity, reporting six greater-alarm incidents across the city. He described one particularly fast-moving fire that escalated from an initial outside report to a fifth alarm, required a defensive posture because of nearby high-voltage lines and forced use of ladder pipes, multiversals and the city's high-pressure water system.

Wersch said crews remained on the largest incident for five days to manage hot spots and structural concerns. The department used engines acquired from Cal OES for mutual-aid deployments and hosted three Type 6 (mini-pumper) engines to augment wildland response capacity. He credited coordinated work with the Water Department when the domestic system was exceeded and outlined coordination with the sheriff's aviation assets during the July 4 surge in incidents.

Wersch also reported EMS and prevention activity in July: naloxone administrations increased from the prior month but remain lower than earlier in the year; EMS personnel staffed quarantine and shelter sites; and the department debuted its drone program with a maiden flight and thermal imagery support during the fifth-alarm operation. Commissioners asked about arson investigations (ongoing) and whether the city can sustain multiple simultaneous major incidents; Wersch said the department has contingency plans and mutual-aid options but would need to prioritize and redistribute resources as necessary.

No votes or formal actions were taken on operational matters at the meeting. Investigations into several of the greater alarms remain open.