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San Francisco Fire Department says Pier 45 blaze contained the same day; investigators still probing origin
Summary
Deputy Chief Victor Wersch told the Fire Commission the Pier 45 fire of May 23 escalated to a fourth alarm, drew more than 135 firefighters and about 50 apparatus, and was contained on the same day; the cause remains under investigation and investigators have identified the area of origin but not the cause.
Deputy Chief Victor Wersch told the San Francisco Fire Commission that firefighters contained the Pier 45 fire on May 23 after a rapid escalation that ultimately required a fourth alarm.
The fire, first reported just before 04:11 a.m., prompted an aggressive interior attack that was converted to defensive operations when conditions worsened, Wersch said. "This fire was contained actually on the same day at 11:41, Saturday, May 23," he said.
Wersch said Engine 2 was first on scene at 04:16 with smoke showing and that crews faced limited access, heavy fire loads and structural collapse. He credited the department's marine units and multiple fireboats for protecting the historic vessel Jeremiah O’Brien: the department deployed water monitors and boat-delivered streams that Wersch said were instrumental to saving the ship.
Chief Janine Nicholson and Wersch both described the response as large and complex. Wersch said the incident escalated to a fourth alarm and brought "over 135 firefighters and 50 pieces of apparatus to the scene," with crews operating for several days to manage hotspots where roof collapse prevented immediate extinguishment.
Fire investigators have identified an area of origin near the mid-center of the building on the Jeremiah O’Brien side, Wersch said, but the department has not determined whether the blaze was accidental or intentional. "We do not" know the cause, he said during the commission's question-and-answer period, and investigators continue to review video, interview witnesses and work with heavy equipment to access collapsed areas.
Commissioners asked whether video or drone footage had aided the investigation. Wersch said a civilian drone owner provided aerial footage that the department has reviewed. Chief Nicholson added that preliminary review of surveillance footage found no obvious evidence of someone entering or leaving the site to start the fire, but cautioned the public that more detailed work remains before a determination is possible.
The department described recovery efforts and coordination with the Port of San Francisco and other agencies to assist tenants in salvage operations. Wersch said he will recommend meritorious awards for water-unit crews and other personnel involved in the response.
Next steps: the fire department's arson and fire-prevention investigators continue to examine evidence and interview witnesses; commissioners were told a fuller, more detailed accounting will appear in the department's June incident report.
