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Commission hears tests showing elevated toxins in firefighters after Tubbs fire; calls for more study and protections
Summary
Department and commissioners discussed a testing effort tied to the Tubbs fire that found elevated toxin levels in returning firefighters; leaders called for more research, protective equipment evaluation and longer-term supports for affected personnel.
During the operations report and chief’s remarks, Chief Janine Nicholson described testing coordinated with the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation and Tony Stefani following the 2017 Tubbs wildfire deployments.
The chief said the study enrolled approximately 180 firefighters who deployed to the Tubbs-area fires (with a stated control group of about 30 firefighters who did not deploy). Blood and urine samples were taken; the chief said results showed elevated levels of multiple toxins in firefighters who deployed. Commissioners and the chief agreed that additional studies are needed and that the department must look for ways to better protect personnel and to develop an action plan.
Commissioners repeatedly returned to two practical concerns: 1) how to improve protective practices and equipment when wildland-urban-interface operations require mobility (making standard turnout gear and SCBA impractical in some conditions), and 2) what post-deployment monitoring, rapid testing and long-term supports (medical monitoring or dedicated funds) should be put in place. One commissioner suggested the idea of a dedicated ‘911 fund’ or similar mechanism to provide medical care and long-term monitoring for firefighters exposed during large incidents.
Chief Nicholson and commissioners emphasized the need to share findings with peer departments and to pursue research partnerships and potential policy responses. The chief said the department will continue to request resources and that union and legislative partners (the chief mentioned Assemblymember David Chu as an ally) may be engaged to support future funding or statutory remedies.
No formal policy was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to follow up with proposals and options for next steps, including potential funding sources and protective equipment evaluations.
